A front-runner in the race to set up arm’s-length management has suffered a blow after it received a one-star rating from the Housing Inspectorate.
Kirklees council had a provisional £62.5m extra subsidy allocation as one of only eight councils in the first round of the government competition. Its tenants backed the arm’s-length option last month with an 80 per cent “yes” vote.

But an inspection of five service areas – allocations, rent arrears, caretaking, business support and consultation, and access to services, produced only a “fair” rating. The repairs service got two stars last year.

To unlock half the extra subsidy, Kirklees will have to increase its rating by one star, and to get it all, reach three stars. The inspectorate’s “will definitely improve” verdict will boost hopes.

Business manager Andy Selman said: “This is the first time for me in 20 years of working in housing that we can deliver rather than having to say ‘no’ all the time. This is incentive enough to get our inspection score up to unlock the extra arm’s-length resources.”

Cabinet member for housing Graham Simpson said: “Inspections can be a useful tool in focusing on areas that need improvement. They help those of us inside the service to see where we actually are.

“On the negative side, they take up time and resources that could be used directly on improving service delivery – they are only a snapshot of the service. Other things slip while attention is directed to identifying weak points.”

– Leeds council is to consult tenants on a move to arm’s-length management.

It is proposing six arm’s-length companies to manage the council’s 70,000 homes, which will be split into geographical areas. Consultation events will take place across the city next month.

Source

Housing Today