'Positive first step in regulation revolution'

A team of four inspectors spent six days assessing Wherry housing association, part of the Anglia housing group.

They looked at the Norwich-based association's standard of service to tenants, leaseholders and applicants for housing across three main service areas: lettings, repairs and tackling anti-social behaviour.

The inspectors identified areas for improvement across these areas and the corporation has asked for an action plan and a timetable for implementing their recommendations.

Although the corporation did not publish the results of the inspection, it said it found "clear evidence of good performance".

Roger De La Mare, head of the corporation's lead regulation unit, said: "Valuable lessons have be learned which will influence both future pilots and the definitive inspection service which we hope will be rigorous and testing, and will replace the existing regulatory framework."

Anglia housing group chief executive Peter Lewis said: "We firmly believe that the inspection process marks a positive first step in the regulation revolution and hope that our contribution will lead to benefits for all of our fellow RSLs."

A further six pilot inspections are due to take place across the country in the next few months. The new inspection service goes live next year.

The Audit Commission's first year report on the preparation of best value performance plans by councils says early housing reviews centred upon homelessness, advice and allocations services.

Those authorities who still managed housing stock were likely to include reviews covering repairs and ongoing significant expenditure.

A sizeable minority were looking at improvements to their provision of sheltered housing, and private sector grants.