Audit Commission Update
VICTORY HOUSING TRUST GETS 'PROMISING PROSPECTS'
VERDICT BY INDEPENDENT WATCHDOG
Victory Housing Trust has received a positive endorsement from an independent watchdog, following a comprehensive inspection of its services which was carried out in October.
The Audit Commission undertook a thorough review of the way that Victory provides services to residents, and gave it a 'Fair' rating – and, importantly, said that it has 'promising prospects for improvement'.
That assessment means that after just two years, the Trust, which manages around 4,700 properties in the north of Norfolk, is right on track to achieve a 'good' rating within its first five years – regarded as a tough target amongst Housing Associations.
"I'm delighted that the Audit Commission has acknowledged our strong track record so far, and equally importantly has identified us as having promising prospects for further service delivery improvements," commented Victory Chief Executive John Archibald. "We have made a lot of progress over the past two years, although we're not yet where we want to be."
The report, which is available on the Victory website, identifies a range of key strengths – and also points out areas for improvement.
"These inspections are very rigorous, but also very helpful," said John Archibald. "As well as recognising where we are doing well, they also help us focus our minds on where we can do better – which is good news for everyone."
Areas highlighted for praise include:
- 'the strong track record in delivering promises to tenants'
- 'substantial improvements in resident satisfaction'
- 'a major improvement in the level of resident involvement in the planning, design and monitoring of services'
- 'satisfaction with repairs has risen dramatically as a result of improved service delivery'
- 'a good partnership approach to anti-social behaviour'
- 'a strong focus on achieving value for money'
- 'a considerable track record in the improvement of asset management services and in income management'
Many of the areas where the inspection suggested improvements could be made are already being tackled. Included in this is improving disabled access to offices (by the end of January they will all be accessible, with the opening of Victory's new office in North Walsham), developing and streamlining the aids and adaptations service, and embedding equalities and diversity in everything it does.
The Audit Commission is an independent body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively, and that it delivers high quality local services.
The full report is available here.