Venture Housing Association gains a star

TENANTS GET 'FAIR' SERVICE FROM VENTURE


Tenants get a "fair" service and decent homes from Liverpool-based Venture Housing Association, according to independent inspectors.

The Audit Commission praised Venture's easily accessible services, tenant involvement in service improvements and the condition of its housing stock.

Inspectors from the national watchdog say the association - which manages 1,300 homes in Liverpool and the Wirral - plays a leading role in managing its neighbourhoods and its properties are generally attractive, clean and in safe areas.

Their report highlights the fact that estates are well-maintained, effective partnership working is improving community safety, most homes are maintained to a decent standard, the rest are being improved and properties are re-let quickly.

Other strengths include Venture's effective arrangements to deal with domestic abuse and hate crime and its service to provide aids and adaptations for tenants with extra needs, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.

Inspectors gave Venture an improved rating of one star in recognition of improvements made since the last inspection, saying it provided a "fair" service to tenants.

The Audit Commission made a number of recommendations for further improvements, including working with tenants to enhance service quality and value for money, ensuring services are focused on what customers want and effectively monitoring performance and tenant satisfaction.

The Inspectors stated "Venture has acted positively" in making improvements over the last two years and "is preparing itself well for the future".

John Tolen, Venture's Chief Executive, said: "We welcome this report and are pleased that our hard work and improvements over the last few years have been recognised. Our sole aim is to provide excellent services and value for money to our tenants, and we are committed to placing tenants at the heart of all decision-making.

Many improvement initiatives are already under way and we are certain that, working with our tenants, service delivery and value for money will continue to improve."

http://www.vha.org.uk/
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/