Press Releases

Merthyr Tydfil Providing Good Quality Housing Services

12/03/2007

Auditor General releases inspection report on Housing Association

Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association is raising its standards. That is the conclusion of the latest inspection report, published today by the Auditor General, which found that the Association was delivering services to a satisfactory or better standard in all areas.

The Association had adopted an 'excellent' approach in providing housing, and was rated as 'good' in four key areas - covering equal opportunities; lettings; housing management and housing people with support needs. 'Satisfactory' arrangements were in place in the three other areas under review - the Association's relationship with residents, rent arrears and maintenance.

The report also highlighted some examples of good practice. These include the engagement of staff and tenants in the development of the Association's mission statement, and switching from a points-based lettings system to a customer choice-based scheme.

But there are still areas where services could be improved and the report makes several recommendations. These include:

• working with tenants to develop, publish and monitor a comprehensive range of service standards;
• developing a realistic action plan for more tenant involvement;
• analysing and understanding repairs performance and demonstrating value for money;
• setting clear targets for debt prevention and agreeing how these will be achieved; and
• publishing a lettings standard and make it available to all new tenants.