Council houses score 'good' rating

Sheffield's housing service has promising prospects

Sheffield City Council is running a "good" housing service, according to an independent report.

The Audit Commission concludes the 60,948 housing stock has "promising prospects for improvement" .

Customer focus is strong, access to services is easy, tenant involvement is well established and estates are well maintained, the report states.

Lead Housing inspector Nick Atkin said: "Staff, tenants, senior officers and councillors are committed to delivering continuous improvement.

"There is a significant track record of improvement, positive performance and innovation."

Areas of service improvement include widening the options for rent payments, carrying out gas and safety checks on void properties and establishing a debt recovery policy.

Councillor Chris Weldon, Cabinet Member for Housing and Direct Services, said: "This assessment shows we're getting it right, though we must guard against complacency given the challenges that lie ahead."