Report criticises housing group

The association said work had been done to identify improvements

Services provided by a west Wales housing association are 'consistently below' those tenants should expect to receive, according to a report.

The Auditor General for Wales said Bro Myrddin Housing Association had 'scope for considerable improvement' in areas including rents and maintenance.

It manages just over 700 properties in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

It said it was disappointed with the findings of the report which directly contradicted a separate survey.

The Wales Audit Office report found fault with the association's relationship with residents, lettings, rent and maintenance.

Its equal opportunities arrangements, housing management and housing for people with support needs was also found wanting.

Inspectors found limitations with its management and organisational support and made a large number of recommendations for improvement.

Jeremy Colman, Auditor General for Wales, said: "The services provided by Bro Myrddin Housing Association are consistently below the standard tenants are entitled to receive.

"The association clearly needs to implement major changes in nearly all areas of its operations."

Above average

At the time of the inspection in December 2007 the association managed 714 properties - mostly in Carmarthenshire, with three in Pembrokeshire.

In a statement the association said it was "extremely disappointed with the findings" and was "committed to continually improving services to residents."

It said there had been significant work to identify areas for improvement prior to the inspection .

"Many of the Wales Audit Office findings relating to tenant services directly contradict the results of a recent independent resident satisfaction survey, which reported increased levels of satisfaction in 11 out of 18 key service areas," it added.

"In all service areas, our results clearly demonstrated that resident satisfaction with our services was above average."