9 May 2008:
The Housing Team at Harrogate Borough Council has once again been recognised as the country's top housing performer.
This follows an independent report by Housing Quality Network into over 200 local authorities.
The report examines
the recorded performance of councils in England and focuses on the time taken to re-let properties, how quickly urgent repairs are carried out and the percentage of rent collected.
This is the fourth time the council team has topped the country's best to take the title 'best of the best'.
In the period under review, nearly 100 per cent of urgent repairs were completed within Government timescales, 99.69 percent of rent was collected and just 11 days taken to re-let vacant properties.
Councillor Jean Butterfield says that the top six authorities have done exceptionally well but Harrogate outscores them right across the indicators.
She said: "We have held this top position for four years out of five and I am proud of everyone in the housing team who have all worked even harder this year and quite rightly deserve this pole position.
"We have a well resourced housing service and staff who are committed to delivering a first class service.
I want to congratulate everyone involved."
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Housing Quality Network, is a not for profit initiative set up in 1997 and was established to help member organisations improve their performance and meet the challenge of best value.
It currently has 450 council and housing association members.
Hal Pawson of the Heriot-Watt University in Scotland carried out the report.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Councillor Jean Butterfield is available for comment on 01423 770381.
Further technical information is available from Mr Alan Jenks, Head of Housing on 01423 556849.