Hounslow Homes receives award for excellence

Both LBH and Hounslow Homes awarded the maximum 3 stars

Hounslow’s residents receive the best housing support services in Britain – and that’s official according to the Audit Commission.

Hounslow Council and its Arms Length Management Company, Hounslow Homes, both received awards from Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning, in recognition of excellence following Audit Commission inspections.

Hounslow Council won recognition for its supporting people programme. Hounslow Homes took its award for excellent landlord services. Both attracted the maximum ‘three star rating with excellent prospects for improvement’ when inspected.

The special awards were presented at The Chartered Institute of Housing Conference in Harrogate.

Cllr Colin Ellar, Leader of Hounslow Council, commented on the success of the Supporting People programme: “This honour is recognition of the hard work and effort of all staff involved in this programme. An Audit Commission inspection earlier this year described our programme as ‘excellent with excellent prospects for further improvement’. The level of housing support we give to people who are vulnerable for whatever reason is recognised as the best in London and this national award says we are one of the best in Britain.”

Cllr Krishan Chopra, leader member for sustainable mixed housing, said Hounslow Homes’ award for its excellence in the delivery and standard of housing services was well deserved.

An Audit Commission inspection of Hounslow Homes recognised repairs services and its neighbourhood warden scheme as “excellent” and resident involvement, diversity, major works services and value for money were highlighted as key areas of strength.

Cllr Chopra said: “The Council established Hounslow Homes in 2002 with three aims: deliver excellent housing management and maintenance services; deliver the decent homes programme; and deliver an increased satisfaction rating and the involvement of tenants and leaseholders. The inspection has confirmed that all this has happened. We now want to build on this success and we look forward to further opportunities to build the partnership with the company.”

July 10, 2005