Audit CommissionThe Audit Commission is an independent body responsible for ensuring that public money is used economically, efficiently and effectively.Access to Services - Berwick Upon Tweed Borough Council- June 19, 2008 Berwick District Council is providing local people with poor access to services, according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=4F8DBBCE-5CA3-4... South Lakes Housing (ALMO)- June 19, 2008 South Lakes Housing provides good services with excellent prospects of improvement. Estates are well managed and homes are being brought up to modern standards. There are some weaknesses, however, in frontline management systems.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=955A1808-C978-4... Strategic Housing Inspection - Mid Suffolk District Council- June 19, 2008 Mid Suffolk District Council has received a 'good' two star rating for strategic housing services. There are 'promising' prospects for improvement. Providing affordable and decent housing is the top corporate priority and effective action is undertaken to realise this objective. Substantial numbers of new affordable dwellings are being completed annually both for rent and for sale. Good work on homelessness prevention is occurring but the Council needs to address diversity issues in a more...http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=C92FD97A-8E48-4... Community Safety Inspection - Gravesham Borough Council- June 12, 2008 Gravesham Council is delivering a good community safety service that has promising prospects for improvement. It has engaged comprehensively with local residents, worked closely with partners and contributed significantly to a sustained reduction in crime.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=51E2EB1C-A1E5-4... Your Homes Newcastle - Newcastle Upon Tyne City Council- June 12, 2008 Service users are central to Your Homes Newcastle's business and they have shaped and influenced a range of improvements. Commitment to customer care is strong and satisfaction is high. A range of high quality supported housing services is well integrated with and complimentary to housing management services.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=C42F8B34-DF49-4... Is the Treatment Working- June 12, 2008 The report looks at the ambitious programme of market-style reforms that aim to improve efficiency and effectiveness and were first set out in the NHS Plan of 2000. It evaluates the key elements: giving patients more choice; greater NHS use of the independent sector; the creation of foundation trusts; practice based commissioning; and Payment by Results. It also reviews the impact of major changes to employment contracts with NHS staff.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/NATIONAL-REPORT.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=9F8B... Housing Services- June 12, 2008 Residents experience a customer focussed service that they have been able to influence. Homes and estates have been well maintained and there is a good repairs service. Properties to be re-let are turned around quickly and to a high standard and gas safety checks have been carried out to 99.60 per cent of homes. Supported housing schemes are well managed and maintained and service users have an excellent 24 hour support service.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=1674F1C6-7A47-4... Housing Management Services- June 12, 2008 Strengths in the services offered include a good approach to customer care and rent collection. These, however, are balanced by weaknesses including value for money and the improvement of properties.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=870EDF56-9789-4... Access to Services - Wansbeck District Council- June 12, 2008 Wansbeck has a good understanding of local needs and, with partners, has made it easier for people to access services in the community and at home. The inspection looked at contact channels and how the Council provides local people with opportunities to improve their quality of life.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=1D0698CF-13FC-4... Hammersmith and Fulham Homes - Hammersmith & Fulham LBC- June 12, 2008 Hammersmith & Fulham Homes provides a fair service which has promising prospects for improvement. The organisation places an emphasis on customer care and changes in delivery of the repairs service are beginning to bring benefits. However, there has been a mixed record of improvement and there have been significant delays in starting the decent homes improvement programme.http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=8FD11F64-CF0F-4... |