29 July 2007
In the last year you've failed to secure £95 million, contended with the disaster that has been the Broom and Poplar House refurbishment and the housing waiting list has increased. During all these developments, you have always indicated that there would be a positive outcome and yet they have all turned into failed outcomes. Therefore, can you confirm that you will not be commenting on the next ALMO inspection for fear that you might make that go wrong also?
The prospects for gaining a successful outcome in the Audit Commission inspection, scheduled for Autumn 2007, are strong. Work is progressing well since the last inspection recognised People 1st (Slough) as an improving organisation close to achieving the required two star/good grade. The Decent Homes funding attached to a two star outcome is £45 million, not £95 million, but considerable progress already has been made to deliver Decent Homes investment to many tenants, with a programme of improvements already set and publicised. With the additional funds in place, we look forward to continuing our excellent work to invest in our stock.
Gaining a 'one star with promising prospects' standard at the last inspection provided a base for the current position where there is improving performance across a range of service areas and partnerships. A new Chief Executive for People 1st (Slough), Andrew Billany, started on 16 April and Sue Morris has been elected for a further year, as Chair. Both have stated confidently to me that People 1st is focusing strongly on the delivery of consistently good and improving services to achieve and exceed the necessary inspection standard later this year, thereby securing lasting excellence for housing in Slough after decades of neglect and under-investment.
