1:53pm Wednesday 7th May 2008
By Geoff Percival
FAMILIES living in council housing across Southend could be waiting two more years before £60million of improvements are made to their homes.
The borough's housing stock is run by South Essex Homes, although the council still owns the properties.
South Essex Homes took over the running of the former council homes in October 2005 and was told that it needed to achieve a two-star rating from the Audit Commission to get £60million of Government funding.
But a report from the commission says the council is unlikely to achieve the decent homes standard by 2010.
South Essex Homes spokeswoman Lynsey Stephenson was more hopeful.
She said: "South Essex Homes has been making strides in our performance following our one star inspection last year.
"Our next inspection is in due in November and we are confident we are on target to achieve our two star status which will unlock the funding to meet the decent homes standard."
The inspectors report said there were problems with rent arrears and maintenance.
It said: "The council and South Essex Homes are working in partnership through a joint improvement plan to improve the existing housing stock and overall performance.
"The public housing stock is reasonable and energy efficiency is better than average, although remaining challenges include the rising level of rent arrears and dissatisfaction with repairs and maintenance."
Mark Flewitt, Southend councillor responsible for housing, said the council was working with South Essex Homes to achieve the two star rating as soon as possible.
He said: "The release of the £60million which is available once a two-star rating is achieved will mean a great deal to the quality of life for all our tenants and we hope to be at this level very soon."
I found a rat when I moved in
A MUM who has complained about the quality of her council house is dismayed it could be another two years before money is released for repairs.
Debbie Paul, 50, moved to Southend from Basildon but has been unable to live in her two-bedroom home because of damp. She has been staying with friends until repairs are carried out.
Miss Paul said: "They just seem to be penny-pinching all the time. It's not good enough. It's very bad management. When I looked at the house it was OK. But when I came to move in there was a rat there. It was horrible."
South Essex Homes spokeswoman Lynsey Stephenson said: "South Essex Homes has been in continuous dialogue with the resident, who is also receiving compensation.
"We are currently in the process of agreeing the extent of the work that needs to be carried out and this is all currently on schedule."
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