Barnet Homes among best in country for making savings

Wednesday 28th November 2007

More than £6.7million worth of savings has been identified by Barnet Homes, making it one of the top ten ALMOs for efficiency gains.

The Government’s Department of Communities and Local Government, expects local authorities to make 2.5% of efficiency gains across all services each year, from 2005 to 2008.

To help central government monitor these figures local authorities have to produce annual efficiency statements. ALMOs do not have to complete these but Barnet Homes and many other ALMOs have chosen to do so as good practice.

Our efficiencies in housing capital expenditure have directly resulted in £2.6million savings for 2006-07 and a further £2.5million expected for 2007-08. This makes us third and fifth best in the country, respectively. There is also good news on management and maintenance where we achieved £1.6m over 2005-06 and 2006-07, ahead of the 2.5% target.

The efficiencies have been achieved through our work with LAPN, but also in negotiating down prices, overheads and profits with our partners. As a result we have been able to invest more in adaptations for tenants with disabilities as the £2.6million was more than double the target set.

Margaret McPeake, Chief Executive of Barnet Homes said: “This is great news as Barnet Homes is committed to providing excellent yet value for money services and has achieved these without making cuts. These savings mean we not only meet Government expectations, but can also invest in better services for our tenants and leaseholders. ”

Posted by Kim for Barnet Homes