Two Stars means brighter future for tenants


Rykneld Homes has been judged a good, two star housing service provider with promising prospects for improvement, following a recent Audit Commission inspection.

The decision now supports Rykneld’s bid for additional and much needed investment in the Council’s housing stock.

Linda Henstock- Rykneld’s Chair of the Board and a tenant said: “Achieving the two stars is fantastic news for tenants and for Rykneld Homes. Our aim, supported by additional investment, is to bring thousands more homes up to the national Decent Homes standard, improve energy efficiency and make sure all our tenants have access to modern facilities.

“Over the past few years we have worked very hard to make sure we provide efficient housing services which meet the needs of tenants. That could not have been done without a dedicated workforce, the support of our tenants, the Tenants’ Federation, the work of a strong Board and close partnership working with North East Derbyshire District Council and other partner organisations such as the Police, Social Services, Derbyshire County Council and Health Authorities.

“By improving conditions within Council homes we also address those conditions which can badly affect tenants’ health. By tackling energy efficiency we can help tenants manage their heating bills. We can also re-start our local apprentice scheme, providing much needed employment for young people.”

Su Gomer, Chief Executive of Rykneld Homes, said: “We are aware there are tough times ahead as we face one of the most challenging economic climates in a generation. The Audit commission has recognised our strong approach to Value for Money, and we know every penny counts. In delivering on tenants’ priorities for the year ahead we owe it to tenants to achieve even greater value for money with the resources we have available.

“We are also aware the Audit Commission has made recommendations on where our business needs strengthening in future. We have already started work on making the necessary changes such as further modernising our Area Housing Offices and improving our telephone response times.”

Cllr Graham Baxter, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the achievement of Rykneld Homes. The housing management and maintenance service provided by them has been judged to be good with the ability to become even stronger. This is great news for tenants.

“We now look forward to receiving the additional funding that places us in the best position that we can to deliver much needed investment to all our properties. Providing good quality homes for our tenants has always been a key priority for the council and we have invested significant resources and support in helping Rykneld Homes achieve a positive outcome from their inspection. This result should facilitate a major multi-million-pound investment over the next few years to improve our housing stock and provide our tenants with the houses they deserve.”

The Audit Commission report said Rykneld Homes strengths include:
• Rykneld Homes is very good at completing repairs and gas maintenance on
time.
• Its appointment system for repairs is designed around tenant’s needs
* There is a strong approach to value for money
• Residents receive timely welfare benefit and debt advice.
• Residents are able to become involved at a level which suits them and to get results from that involvement.
• Anti-social behaviour is being dealt with effectively.
• Front-line staff are providing effective customer care, alongside good written information and a helpful website.

Quotes from the Audit Commission report:
• “There is a strong focus on achieving the decent homes standard and a programme of works agreed with residents is being effectively delivered.”
• “A clear, well promoted resident involvement structure is allowing residents to become involved at a level which suits them and is producing positive results.”
• “The housing application and bidding process is well managed with housing applicants being housed within reasonable timescales.”
• “Performance on completing repairs in timescales is very strong and a customer focused repairs appointments system is in place.”
• “There is effective partnership working in tackling anti-social behaviour and enforcement action is being taken regularly and appropriately.”

The report also highlights how Rykneld Homes continually seeks Value for Money in the services it provides and that the organisation has delivered “significant savings”.

However, the Audit Commission said weaknesses include:

• It takes too long for disabled tenants to get the aids and adaptations they need.
• Rykneld Homes needs to work more closely with social services.
• Some local offices do not provide the quality of accommodation that customers should expect to receive
• It needs to improve the time taken to answer phone calls and respond to letters from tenants.