Poplar HARCA rated ‘good’ by the Audit Commission

The Audit Commission inspection team gave us two stars out of a possible three because residents experience an efficient locally-based service in which repairs are easy to report and homes and estates are well maintained. Estates are also clean of litter and graffiti is removed quickly. Additionally, a wide range of partnership initiatives are providing services to vulnerable residents.

However, information on the individual needs of tenants is not comprehensive and the aids and adaptations service is not well publicised. Performance on collection of leaseholders’ service charges and repair re-charges is also underdeveloped.

Adrian Brown, Audit Commission senior manager, said: ’Poplar HARCA provides a locally-based service that is influenced by residents to meet their needs. Homes are in a good state of repair and estates are clean and tidy. The association benefits from being financially stable and is beginning to adopt a more structured approach to value for money. However, the association needs to expand its action plan on race equality and diversity as well as improve its performance on collecting leaseholder service charges.’

Christine Searle, Poplar HARCA Chair, said: ‘We are pleased with this result and credit it to the hard work and commitment of residents and staff. These results will help us to focus on those areas we need to improve on, so that we can continue providing residents with the best possible service.’

To read the full report, go to www.audit-commission.gov.uk