The Audit Commission has published a 28-point plan to improve housing inspection and help the government deliver the Communities Plan.
The 28 targets, each with their own timetable, were included in the commission's strategic plan for 2004-07, released on 13 November.

The list also includes a commitment to make it easier to compare housing inspection scores for different providers by 2004.

Many in the sector believe this will lead to star ratings for housing associations.

The commission made an express commitment to assess how effectively housing finance is being spent on meeting the 2010 decent homes target.

Roy Irwin, the commission's chief inspector of housing, said: "The main change is that we're being explicit. There are 28 specific achievements around housing that we will now be aiming at.

"The plan should make it clear what we think we should be doing, and how we can make a difference."

The plan will now enter a consulation phase until 8 January.

The plan bears all the hallmarks of commission chairman James Strachan, who has been promoting an agenda of value for money and a focus on outcomes.

Strachan said: "Through strategic regulation we will maximise our impact on improving public services for the benefit of those who use them. We will assess whether they are effectively managed and give value for money."

Source

Housing Today