Wealden District Council
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Housing Performance – How are we doing?

What is Performance and Customer Satisfaction data?

Within the service we collect a large range of statistical information known as performance data, for example how long it takes to deliver a particular service or how many requests for a particular service we deal with. This allows us to measure how well we are doing in delivering different elements of the service and allows us to compare this over a quarterly or on an annual basis. We also compare our performance against other social landlords.

In addition we collect feedback from our customers following a service that they have received from us, generally via a survey/questionnaire. This allows us to see how customer view our services.

What do we do with this information/data?

Our performance and survey data is discussed by the Housing Management Team to highlight any areas of concern as well as good performance. It also allows the team to look at what actions need to be taken as a result. Managers/Officers are then allocated responsibility for looking into any issues of concerns. Issues would be raised at meetings with our contractors or further research undertaken including work with our tenants and leaseholders to understand the issue in detail. All this data therefore is used to help us make decisions and look at ways to improve our service delivery.

Performance Description Performance in 2022/23 Performance in 2021/22 Performance in 2020/21 Further information
Housing Management/Property Services
Days taken to get an empty Retirement Living property ready and new occupants moved in 39.92 days 72.23 51.56 We carried out a review of retirement living accommodation in 2022/23 and as a result we have looked at how we market this accommodation. This work will continue in 23/24 and we hope that void times will continue to reduce as a result.
Days taken to get an empty general needs property ready and new occupants moved in 23.92 days 29.76 34.07 We have undertaken a review of the process in 2022/23 as well as joining a national benchmarking group to look at best practice in this area.
Days taken to get an empty temporary accommodation property ready and new occupants moved in 81.76 days 125.09 87.39 The initial void times were high due to repairs and modernisation required in some of the properties. There were also occasions when there were no households suitable for the type of empty properties available. More recently a practice of moving households from outside of the area has been prioritised which creates more use of these properties and less use of bed and breakfast and other emergency accommodation. However, households already in emergency placements such as bed and breakfast in Wealden are prioritised. The results of this practice have been positive and further void time reductions are expected.
Performance Description Performance in 2022/23 Performance in 2021/22 Performance in 2020/21 Further information
Housing Management/Property Services
Percentage of rent received against amount due (includes rent collected from former tenants) 103.51% 99.09 98.81 We continue to perform well in terms of the amount of rent that we collect. We work closely with any residents experiencing financial problems to ensure that any arrears are paid off at an affordable rate according to that households’ finances.
Repairs completed on time 95.3% 94.7% 85.16% We continue to perform well with repairs delivery after a decline during Covid.
Tenants registered to use the MyAccounts to access information on their rent account and repairs 586 537 437 We are continuing to see the numbers accessing our online portal slowly growing as we continue to promote this service to new and existing tenants.
Housing Development
Number of new affordable homes built by the Council and Registered Housing Providers  218 181 275 The number of new homes delivered continues to remain high and there are a number of large developments still onsite which include affordable homes. These will continue to be completed over the next few years. These numbers include affordable homes delivered by private developers and housing associations, new Council homes built by the Council on land we own, and some ex-Council homes we have repurchased.
Housing Options & Homelessness (including Allocations)
Homelessness applications made and accepted 463 applications of which 73 were owed a full housing duty 364 applications of which 24 were owed a full housing duty 567 applications of which 40 were owed a full housing duty We have seen an increase in applications of homelessness as a result of the cost of living pressures and some private landlords choosing to no longer rent their properties. The decrease in affordable private rented accommodation has resulted in more households being owed a main housing duty as we have been unable to secure accommodation during the early homelessness stages.
Average length of Stay in emergency accommodation for homeless households 8.89 weeks 7.8 weeks 8.11 weeks Length of time in temporary accommodation is increasing due to move on options in the private rented sector being very limited for all groups, in particular single homeless under 35 years of age due to the Local Housing Allowance rates which applies to those receiving benefits.
Total households in emergency accommodation (as at year end) 57 42 45 This figure has increased since 2019-20 due to us now accommodating rough sleepers under the Rough Sleeper Initiative.
Homelessness prevented or relieved 170 or 36.72% of all cases 165 or 45.32% of all cases 163 or 28.75% of all cases We have seen an increase in performance overall resulting in more homelessness cases being prevented (support to stay in their current accommodation) or being relieved (support to find alternative accommodation).
Number of households on the housing register 743 526 640 We have reviewed our Allocations Policy as it was too restrictive which meant that many households in need of affordable housing could not access it. The criteria now is linked to affordability rather than a set income threshold and as a result the number of households registered for housing has increased.
Sanctuary 26 24 46 The aim of the Wealden Sanctuary Scheme is to enable victims of domestic abuse to remain in their own homes should they wish to, and where it is safe for them to do so. Occasionally, works are also done under the scheme where an individual/households are at risk of crime/ racial hatred etc. This service is demand led.
Complaints
Stage 1 complaints 46 45 33 Along with national campaigns around making complaints against your landlord we have been actively encouraging customers to give us their feedback and promoting the ability to complain. It is therefore not surprising that complaints have continued to increase. We have embraced the opportunity to learn from complaints, therefore an increase in complaints should not be seen as a negative.
Stage 2 Complaints 16 16 Not available See above.

Performance Description

Performance in 2022/23

Performance in 2021/22

Performance in 2020/21

Further information

Gas Servicing 

 

Satisfaction with the way Wealden District Council and BSW dealt with your annual gas safety check

97.14%

90.4% satisfied

82.4% satisfied

We continue to receive high levels of satisfaction with the service our gas contractor provides.

Repairs

 

Overall, were you happy with the contractor and repairs process

91.91%

92.7% satisfied

84.95% satisfied

Our performance continues to exceed the industry standard.

Electrical works

 

Satisfaction with the completed works

92.45%

95.6% satisfied

100% satisfied

We used to ask if customers whether they were satisfied or not satisfied. However, in line with best practice this changed in 21/22 and we have amended the response options to include a neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (neutral) option. Some customers are now choosing this neutral option.

 

Satisfaction with how clean and tidy the contractor for electrical works was

100%

97% satisfied

100% satisfied

We continue to work closely with our contractors to ensure they deliver the best service possible.

Disabled Adaptations 

 

Satisfaction with the works carried out as part of a Disabled Facilities Grant (all tenures including council)

97.14%

100% satisfied

98.18% satisfied

We consistently receive high levels of satisfaction with the works customers receive under a Disabled Facilities Grant. The works often make a huge different to customers everyday lives.  

New Tenant Survey 

 

Satisfaction with the time allowed for the property viewing

78.7% were satisfied and 11.5% gave a neutral response

75% were satisfied and 7% gave a neutral response

68.2% were satisfied and 13.6% gave a neutral response

Satisfaction has steadily increased in this area as we return to normal following Covid which made property viewings very difficult.

Overall satisfaction with the lettings process

88.5% were satisfied and 33.3% gave a neutral response

89% were satisfied and 7% gave a neutral response

86.4% were satisfied and 9.3% gave a neutral response

Satisfaction levels have remained consistent in this area.

How satisfied are you that on this occasion Wealden’s Housing service was easy to deal with

86.4% were satisfied and 6.7% gave a neutral response

86% were satisfied and 10% gave a neutral response

86% were satisfied and 9.3% gave a neutral response

Satisfaction levels have remained consistent in this area.

Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) 

 

Satisfaction with the ease of reporting ASB

66.7% were satisfied and 22.2% gave a neutral response.

58% were satisfied and 14% gave a neutral response

72.7% satisfaction and 18.2% neutral responses

Further work is needed to understand why customers have not found it easy to report ASB.

Overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the handling of your ASB complaint

66.7% were satisfied and 22.2% gave a neutral response.

58% were satisfied and 14% gave a neutral response

50% satisfaction and 9.1% neutral responses

It is good to see that satisfaction levels have increased with greater emphasis at the outset of the powers available to us, to tackle ASB being explained.

Overall, satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the final outcome of your ASB complaint

66.7% were satisfied and 22.2% gave a neutral response.

57.2%

Neither: 14.3%

gave a neutral response 

50% satisfaction and 9.1% neutral responses

Complaints handling satisfaction varies from excellent to exceptional low for those that benchmark performance. We are consistently average.

As we have highlighted above the key is managing complainant’s expectations as it is unlikely that a complainant will be satisfied unless they get the outcome that they wanted, usually it is for the perpetrator to be evicted. We have to work with the existing legislative framework and therefore this is rarely possible.

Instead, we have placed a greater emphasis on making customers aware of the powers that we have.

Housing Options Customer Survey 

 

Time taken to receive advice over the phone or in person

66.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 
 
 

63.9% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 10.8% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

65.9% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 9.1% neutral

Again, this year we have found it difficult to recruit and have had a few new members of staff to recruit due to others moving into new roles. 

Knowledge and helpfulness of staff

66.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 
 
 

65.1% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 7.2% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

75% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 4.5% neutral

As a result of staff shortages, we have had some new members of staff and so it does take time for them to build up their knowledge and gain experience.

Officers listening and understanding skills

66.% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

 
 
 

63.8% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 10.8% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

65.9% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 15.9% neutral

The move to online or telephone meetings with customers since Covid has made it harder for staff to demonstrate these skills and build a relationship with the customer. 

Explanation of what was required from you, in your Personalised Housing Plan (if applicable)

60% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 13.3% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 
 
 

61.5% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 15.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

72.7% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 11.4% neutral

It is not surprising that customer satisfaction has fallen since customers are being required to commit to doing more themselves to fulfilling their obligations in the Personalised Housing Plan. This requires them to engage proactively which many chose not to do. These plans are discussed, developed and agreed with customers.

Clarity of advice given (both verbal and written) 

60% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 20% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 
 
 

63.91% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 7.2% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

68.2% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 9.1% neutral

We will continue to monitor this to seek to understand how we can improve satisfaction in this area.

Explanation of the reasons for any decisions made or assistance provided

66.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 
 
 

55.4% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 13.3% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

75% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 9.1% neutral

We will continue to monitor this to seek to understand how we can improve satisfaction.

The overall service that you received

66.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied with 0% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 
 
 

60.3% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

70.4% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.8% neutral

With a fully staffed team we will look to see how we can improve the service.

Allocations Survey – for those who have joined the housing register

 

The information regarding our Allocations Policy

52.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 26.3% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

 
 

Survey introduced in 22/23

Survey introduced in 22/23

 

Knowledge and helpfulness of staff

55.3% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 7.9% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

 
 

Survey introduced in 22/23

Survey introduced in 22/23

 

Clarity of the advice given (both verbal and written)

55.3% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 18.4% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

 
 

Survey introduced in 22/23

Survey introduced in 22/23

 

Explanation of the reasons for any decisions made or assistance provided

39.5% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 28.9% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 
 
 

Survey introduced in 22/23

Survey introduced in 22/23

 

The overall service that you received

55.3% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 15.8% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

 
 

Survey introduced in 22/23

Survey introduced in 22/23

 
Performance Description Performance in 2023/24 Performance in 2022/23 Performance in 2021/22 Further information
Housing Management/Property Services
Days taken to get an empty Retirement Living property ready and new occupants moved in 50.97 days 39.92 days 72.23 days The timescales have increased as we have had a higher number of void properties this year, this is as a result of a number of new build estates being completed and as a result a number of tenant transferring providing a higher turnover on our existing properties. We are also taking the opportunity to do more work to properties at void stage including refurbishment and decarbonisation work which is extending the timescale. Plus, disappointingly we are finding that many of our properties are being returned to us by tenants in a poorer condition than we would wish to see. These factors combined mean that it has been challenging delivering the amount of work to a greater number of properties in the timescales that we have previously been able to deliver to.
Days taken to get an empty general needs property ready and new occupants moved in 52.10 days 23.92 days 29.76 days See above.
Days taken to get an empty temporary accommodation property ready and new occupants moved in 61.31 days 81.76 days 125.09 days We have continued to prioritise getting temporary accommodation properties ready to relet because of the impact on people who are homeless having to be placed in bed and breakfast. This can include being placed outside of the district due to availability.
Percentage of rent received against amount due (includes rent collected from former tenants) 101.07% 103.51% 99.09% We continue to work closely with any residents experiencing financial problems (where they will engage) to ensure that any arrears are paid off at an affordable rate according to that households’ finances. This helps ensure that we can continue to perform well in terms of the amount of rent that we collect.
Repairs completed on time 92% 95.3% 94.7% We continue to perform well although there has been a slight decline this year which is due to demand and difficulty our contractors have recruiting skilled trades people.
Tenants registered to use the MyAccounts to access information on their rent account and repairs 512 586 537 It is disappointing to see a decline in the number of tenants and leaseholders registered to use MyAccounts. However, we appreciate how limited the available information is on our current platform and will be introducing a new customer portal in 2025/26.
Housing Development
Number of new affordable homes built by the Council and Registered Housing Providers 387  218 181 The number of new homes delivered continues to remain high and there are a number of large developments still onsite which include affordable homes. These numbers include affordable homes delivered by private developers and housing associations, new Council homes built by the Council on land we own, and some ex-Council homes we have repurchased using Government funding. The Council delivered 62 new homes this year.
Housing Options & Homelessness (including Allocations)
Homelessness applications made and accepted 408 applications of which 47 were owed a full housing duty 463 applications of which 73 were owed a full housing duty 364 applications of which 24 were owed a full housing duty In 22/23 the number of homelessness applications peeked primarily as a result of the cost-of-living pressures, as well as some private landlords choosing to no longer rent their properties out due to Government changes impacting on private landlords. Although this declined in 23/24 the numbers are still higher than they typically have been as households continue to feel the impact caused by the cost of living. The decrease in affordable private rented accommodation has resulted in more households being owed a main housing duty as we have been unable to secure accommodation during the early homelessness stages.
Average length of Stay in emergency accommodation for homeless households 11.21 weeks 8.89 weeks 7.8 weeks The length of time in temporary accommodation is increasing due to move on options in the private rented sector being very limited for all groups. It is even more difficult for single homeless under 35 years of age due to the room rate for Local Housing Allowance rates which applies to those receiving benefits.
Total households in emergency accommodation (as at year end) 91 57 42 Demand for social housing continues to grow. This is due to the cost of accessing and severe shortage of private rented housing. This means unfortunately for the vast majority of those facing homelessness emergency accommodation is the only option, In addition, since 2019/20 the Rough Sleeper Initiative has meant that we are now placing those who are rough sleeping into emergency accommodation.
Homelessness prevented or relieved 205 or 50.25% of all cases 170 or 36.72% of all cases 165 or 45.32% of all cases We have seen an increase in performance overall resulting in more homelessness cases being prevented (supported to stay in their current accommodation) or being relieved (supported to find alternative accommodation). With our recent focus on prevention practices resulting in prevention increases. In addition, the increased supply of new social housing has meant greater success in relieving homelessness.
Number of households on the housing register 1073 743 526 We have reviewed our Allocations Policy as it was too restrictive which meant that many households in need of affordable housing could not access it. As a result, numbers have now begun to increase. .
Sanctuary referrals 34 referrals, with works carried out to 28 properties 34 referrals, works carried out to 26 properties 34 referrals, works carried out to 24 properties The aim of the Wealden Sanctuary Scheme is to enable victims of domestic abuse to remain in their own homes should they wish to, and where it is safe for them to do so. Occasionally, works are also done under the scheme where individual/households are at risk of crime/ racial hatred etc. This service is demand led, but as can be seen demand has been very consistent. Works might not be carried out for a number of reasons including the customer chooses not to proceed or it may be that it is not safe even with the works for the occupants to remain there.
Complaints – across the whole Housing Service
Stage 1 complaints 55 46 45 Along with national campaigns around making complaints against your landlord we have been actively encouraging customers to give us their feedback and promote the ability to complain. It is therefore not surprising that complaints have continued to increase. We have embraced the opportunity to learn from complaints, therefore an increase in complaints should not be seen as a negative.
Stage 2 Complaints 10 16 16 See above.

Performance

Description

Performance in 2023/24

Performance in 2022/23

Performance in 2021/22

Further information

Gas Servicing

 

Satisfaction with the way Wealden District Council and BSW dealt with your annual gas safety check

91.71%

97.14%

90.4% satisfied

We continue to receive high levels of satisfaction with the service our gas contractor provides.

Repairs

 

Overall, were you happy with the contractor and repairs process

92%

91.91%

92.7% satisfied

we are pleased to say that our performance continues to exceed the industry standard. However, we continuously seek to improve.

Electrical works

 

Satisfaction with the completed works

89.71%

92.45%

95.6% satisfied

We continue to work closely with our contractors to monitor their performance and use customer feedback to see where improvements/changes can be made.

 

Satisfaction with how clean and tidy the contractor for electrical works was

98%

100%

97% satisfied

We continue to work closely with our contractors to ensure they deliver the best service possible with the staff and budget they have.

 

Disabled Adaptations

 

Satisfaction with the works carried out as part of a Disabled Facilities Grant (all tenures including council)

98.41%

97.14%

100% satisfied

We are fortunate in having an in-house Occupational Therapist who is able to assess what is needed to meet the households needs.

We consistently receive high levels of satisfaction with the works customers receive under a Disabled Facilities Grant. The works often make a huge difference to customers everyday lives. 

 

New Tenant Survey

 

Satisfaction with the time allowed for the property viewing

79% were satisfied and 14.8% gave a neutral response.

78.7% were satisfied and 11.5% gave a neutral response.

75% were satisfied and 7% gave a neutral response.

Satisfaction has steadily increased in this area and following changes during Covid and due to staffing resources, we are now able to ensure that in the vast majority of cases the Housing Officer spends time with the new tenant at sign-up.

 

Overall satisfaction with the lettings process

88.9% were satisfied and 6.2% gave a neural response.

 

88.5% were satisfied and 33.3% gave a neutral response.

89% were satisfied and 7% gave a neutral response.

Satisfaction levels have remained consistent in this area. However, we use the comments from surveys to help us identify how we can improve.

How satisfied are you that on this occasion Wealden’s Housing service was easy to deal with.

 

85.7% were satisfied and 11.7% gave a neutral response.

86.4% were satisfied and 6.7% gave a neutral response.

86% were satisfied and 10% gave a neutral response.

Satisfaction levels have remained consistent in this area. However, we use the comments from surveys to help us identify how we can improve, for example where there are delays to a tenancy start date for a new tenant, we ensure we maintain regular contact with them.

 

Antisocial Behaviour (ASB)

 

Satisfaction with the ease of reporting ASB

75% were satisfied and 25% gave a neutral response.

66.7% were satisfied and 22.2% gave a neutral response.

58% were satisfied and 14% gave a neutral response.

We recently undertook to understand any problems customers had reporting ASB. This highlighted that we need to continue to look at communications both with those experiencing ASB and more widely around what the council can and cannot do and ensure tenants understand these.

 

We receive very few surveys back once a case is closed on which this data is based. In 2023/24 we received just 4 surveys from 47 closed cases.   

 

 

Overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the handling of your ASB complaint

75% were satisfied and 25% gave a negative response.

66.7% were satisfied and 22.2% gave a neutral response.

58% were satisfied and 14% gave a neutral response.

It is good to see that satisfaction levels have increased with greater emphasis at the outset of the powers available to us, to tackle ASB being explained.

Overall, satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the final outcome of your ASB complaint

75% were satisfied and 25% gave a negative response.

 66.7% were satisfied and 22.2% gave a neutral response.

57.2%

Neither: 14.3%

gave a neutral response.

ASB complaint handling satisfaction varies from excellent to exceptional low for those that benchmark performance. We are consistently average but want to do better.

 

The key is often managing complainant’s expectations as to what powers we have to work with through the existing legislative framework. We are working on ensuring we explain clearer our powers to those affected by ASB but also in our new ASB policy & Procedure adopted last year.

Housing Options Customer Survey

 

Time taken to receive advice over the phone or in person

54.7% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 9.06% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

66.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

63.9% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 10.8% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

This year demand has outstripped the capacity of the team resulting in officers dealing with larger caseloads than would normally be expected. We are exploring options to increase capacity within the team within the financial resources available to us. 

Knowledge and helpfulness of staff

56.28% of

respondents to the

survey were.

satisfied and

11.1% neither

satisfied nor

dissatisfied.

 

66.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

65.1% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 7.2% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

We have had a few new officers this year and it take time for them to build up their knowledge and gain experience.

We will continue to monitor this and analyse comments from individual surveys to understand why officers might be viewed as unhelpful.  

Officers listening and understanding skills

56.7% of

respondents to the

survey were

satisfied and

11.1% neither

satisfied nor

dissatisfied.

 

 

66.% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

63.8% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 10.8% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

The move to online or telephone meetings with customers since Covid has made it harder for staff to demonstrate these skills and build a relationship with the customer. 

This level of satisfaction is not surprising given that less than 10% (9.79%) of those that applied to us as homelessness meet the requirements of the legalisation to be housed.

Explanation of what was required from you, in your Personalised Housing Plan (if applicable)

49.1% of

respondents to the

survey were

satisfied and

16.1%

neither satisfied

nor dissatisfied.

 

 

60% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 13.3% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

61.5% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 15.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

It is not surprising that customer satisfaction has fallen since customers are being required to commit to doing more themselves to fulfilling their obligations in the Personalised Housing Plan. This requires them to engage proactively which many chose not to do. These plans are discussed, developed and agreed with customers.

Clarity of advice given (both verbal and written) 

51.28% of

respondents to the

survey were

satisfied and

17.5% neither

satisfied nor

dissatisfied.

 

 

 

60% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 20% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

63.91% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 7.2% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

Unfortunately, as households are assessed against the Homelessness legislation any written decision do have to contain references to it.

 

We will continue to monitor this to seek to understand how we can improve satisfaction in this area.

Explanation of the reasons for any decisions made or assistance provided

43.4% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 16.1% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

66.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6.7% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

55.4% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 13.3% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

See above.

The overall service that you received

51.9% of respondents to the survey were satisfied with 11.2% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

66.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied with 0% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

60.3% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 6% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

We continue to review how we can improve and have been working with other partners to develop specialist roles and will continue this work as we look at resourcing in the team.

Allocations Survey – for those who have joined the housing register

The information regarding our Allocations Policy

52.9% of

respondents to the

survey were

satisfied and

and 19.9%

neither

satisfied nor

dissatisfied.

 

52.6% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 26.3% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

Survey introduced in 22/23

Satisfaction has remained static.

We seek to improve the information and this year this has led to a revised Allocations Policy to simply some elements and the production of an Allocations FAQ factsheet and the development of our first video.  

Knowledge and helpfulness of staff

51.2% of

respondents to the

survey were

satisfied and

14.7% neither

satisfied nor

dissatisfied.

 

55.3% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 7.9% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

Survey introduced in 22/23

This year demand has outstripped the capacity of the team resulting in officers dealing with larger caseloads than would normally be expected. We are exploring options to increase capacity within the team within the financial resources available to us. 

Clarity of the advice given (both verbal and written)

52.9% of

respondents to the

survey were

satisfied and

14.5% neither

satisfied

nor dissatisfied.

 

 

55.3% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 18.4% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

Survey introduced in 22/23

Unfortunately, due to increasing demand on the service customers are being signposted to places like our website including our FAQ and video where they can find most of the information needed.

 

We will continue to monitor this and analyse comments from individual surveys to understand why officers might be viewed as unhelpful. 

Explanation of the reasons for any decisions made or assistance provided

43.1% of

respondents to the

survey were

satisfied and

23.1%

neither satisfied

nor dissatisfied.

 

 

39.5% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 28.9% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

 

Survey introduced in 22/23

We will continue to monitor this and analyse comments from individual surveys to understand why officers might be viewed as unhelpful. 

The overall service that you received

48.7% of

respondents to the

survey were

satisfied and

17.6% neither

satisfied nor

dissatisfied.

55.3% of respondents to the survey were satisfied and 15.8% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

Survey introduced in 22/23

This year has been particularly challenging for the small team with a sharp increase in the number of households on the Housing Register all of which need to be investigated before they are made live and able to bid on properties. This has meant that we haven’t been able to deal with queries as quickly as we would like to. We are currently reviewing our resources but hope with the changes in the Allocation Policy it will be much quicker going forward to process applications for housing.

Performance Description

Performance Quarter 1 2022-23

1st April to 30 June

Performance Quarter 1 2023-24

 1st April to 30 June

Performance Quarter 1 2024-25

1st April to 30 June

Housing Management

 

Days taken to get an empty Retirement Living property ready and new occupants moved in

34.12

19.57

100.7 days

Days taken to get an empty general needs property ready and new occupants moved in

22.71

25.69

82 days

Percentage of rent received against amount due (includes rent collected from former tenants)

96.5%

95.98%

94.24%

Number of evictions

 

5 (for rent arrears)

1 (for rent arrears)

1 (for rent arrears)

Properties sold under the Right to Buy (RTB)

1

1

1

Number of new cases of anti-social behaviour reported

6

13

21

Property Services

 

Repairs completed on time

 

96.6%

90%

96.2%

Satisfaction with Repairs

 

92.66%

90.34%

90.05%

Housing Development

 

Number of new affordable homes built by the Council and Registered Housing Providers

 

 

51

69

75

Housing Options and Homelessness

 

Homelessness applications made and accepted as homeless

112

8 accepted

109

8 accepted

 

136

5 accepted

Homelessness prevented or relieved

26

62

63

Average Length of stay in Bed and Breakfast (for homelessness Households)

15.5 weeks

8.95 weeks

10.4 weeks

Housing Service combined

 

Stage 1 complaints received

9

13

18

Stage 2 complaints receive

4

1

5

Performance Description

Performance Quarter 2 2022-23

1st July to 30th September 

Performance Quarter 2 2023-24

 1st July to 30th September 

Performance Quarter 2 2024-25

 1st July to 30th September 

Housing Management

 

Days taken to get an empty Retirement Living property ready and new occupants moved in

28.90

41.63

65.50

Days taken to get an empty general needs property ready and new occupants moved in

17.81

42.50

49.56

Percentage of rent received against amount due (includes rent collected from former tenants)

99.76%

95.95%

94.88%

Number of evictions

 

2

1

1 (not entitled to succeed following the death of the tenant)

Properties sold under the Right to Buy (RTB)

3

0

0

Number of new cases of anti-social behaviour reported

30

14

12

Property Services

 

Repairs completed on time

 

98.5%

89.5%

93.8%

Satisfaction with Repairs

 

95.83%

90.06%

94.62%

Housing Development

 

Number of new affordable homes built by the Council and Registered Housing Providers

 

 

51

79

33

Housing Options and Homelessness

 

Homelessness applications made and accepted as homeless

122 applications were made and 3 accepted

101 applications were made and 6 accepted

144 applications were made and 5 accepted

Homelessness prevented or relieved

19

51

56

Average Length of stay in Bed and Breakfast (for homelessness Households)

9.5 weeks

12.56 weeks

9.03 weeks

Housing Service combined

 

Stage 1 complaints received

15

14

To follow

Stage 2 complaints receive

5

3

To follow