Audit Commission condemns affordable homes provision in Surrey Heath

12.02.00am GMT Thu 9th Feb 2006

The independent Audit Commission give Surrey Heath the lowest possible ranking for the provision of affordable housing

Surrey Heath Borough Council's approach to supporting the provision of new affordable housing is 'poor', with poor prospects for improvement, according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission. On a scale of zero to three stars, the Audit Commission inspection team gave the Council's affordable housing services no stars.

This was because services for people seeking affordable housing are not fully accessible. Partnerships are not being maximised and there is no productive engagement with the private sector. The Council is not able to demonstrate a systematic approach to value for money across the affordable housing service. The council is heavily reliant on its planning service, which has significant weaknesses, to deliver affordable housing in the borough.

Services contributing to the delivery of affordable housing that were covered by this inspection included planning for new housing, homelessness and housing advice, private sector housing and housing strategy.

The inspectors found:

· The Council has not engaged with private sector landlords and empty homes are not being tackled to bring them back into use.

· Access to services for those in need of affordable housing is limited and residents have not been involved in developing information, access to the service or service standards.

· There is poor progress in meeting Equality Standards and there is a weak approach to diversity.

· The Council cannot be sure it is getting value for money in respect of affordable housing.

· The numbers of people accepted as homeless have been reduced through intervention measures such as effective mediation and advice.

· Older and disabled people are currently well supported through the Home Improvement Agency and Handyman scheme.

Paddy Mooney, Head of Housing for the Audit commission's Southern Region, said: "The Council has delivered new affordable housing in the past when funding was readily available. However, there is no certainty that even the modest target of 70 new homes a year between 2006 and 2008 will be achieved. The Council has made poor progress in developing a range of alternative options to help those in housing need."

To help the service improve, inspectors made a number of recommendations. These include:

· Develop a delivery plan for the long term approach to providing resources for affordable housing.

· Develop a clear understanding of the extent and nature of empty homes in the borough and implement a strategy to bring them back into use.

· Engage with private sector landlords through a regular forum, and investigate the potential of linking housing renewal assistance and houses in multiple occupation (HMO) improvements with nominations for appropriate households.

· Work with sub-regional partners to investigate joint development of partnerships with the private sector to bring forward affordable rented housing

Surrey Heath Borough Council is situated in the county of Surrey and covers a population of 80,700. The borough is a mix of urban and rural areas. Its main urban centres are Camberley, Bagshot and Frimley. It is an affluent area with low levels of unemployment. The Council's housing revenue budget for 2005/6 is £907,000, with an approved capital programme of £916,000.

Copies of the report are available from Surrey Heath Borough Council or on the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk.