Wear Valley housing company celebrates inspection success

Wednesday 16th December 2009

Dale & Valley Homes is celebrating a very positive report from the Audit Commission says it provides a good services to customers with excellent prospects of improving even further.

The company has been awarded a two star ‘good’ rating with ‘excellent prospects of improvement’ following an inspection in September this year.

Among those services singled out for particular praise were the information supplied to customers, the condition of homes, speed of the repairs service and rent collection.

Chief executive Peter Chaffer said: “We are very pleased that the Audit Commission has recognised the strength of some of our services, such as customer involvement and repairs.

“They have also pointed out a few areas where they think we can improve, which we will look at closely to see what we can do.

“The company was first inspected only six months after it was formed, in 2006. At that time we received two stars but the inspectors said we had ‘uncertain prospects of improvement’. Since then we have been working very hard with our customers and recognising best practice throughout the industry to improve our services.

“We have made huge improvements to the way we monitor what we do, which means our ability to spot where improvements are needed is much better.

“Some major changes, such as the choice-based lettings system and our new website, were not up and running when the inspectors visited, so things have already moved on significantly from what they saw.

“I would like to congratulate all staff on the hard work they did for the inspection and their continued commitment to our customers.”

In the report Domini Gunn, Audit Commission lead housing inspector, said: “Dale and Valley Homes’ staff work with tenants to understand what is important for local people.

“Tenant satisfaction with services is high. Previous weaknesses identified in the inspection two years ago have been addressed and the organisation is working hard with tenants and contractors to improve all areas of its operation.

“Dale and Valley Homes is now part of the new unitary Durham County Council and is working with the council to improve its services to local people.”

Posted by Kim for Dale & Valley Homes