Borough's housing services 'poor'

Housing services in Stafford have been criticised as "poor" by a government watchdog.

The Audit Commission said the borough council had a weak approach to equality and diversity and had not done enough to prevent homelessness.

The commission gave the authority a zero star rating - the lowest available.

The council has said it will do whatever it needs to do to improve service to its customers.

Deborah Good, lead housing inspector for the West Midlands, said: "The council has protected the service from savings it has had to make elsewhere and clearly understands where it needs to make improvements.

"However, there are significant gaps and weaknesses in the council's plans for dealing with housing issues.

"We found that little progress has been made in important areas such as access and customer care, diversity and value for money."

Among the reports recommendations were for the council to improve its knowledge of rural housing needs and build better links with housing associations.