14 NOVEMBER 2006 The housing team at Harrogate
Borough Council, which is the country's top housing performer, has
been shortlisted for a new annual award. The
Local Government Yorkshire and Humber organisation has launched
their Making a Difference in Yorkshire and Humber awards and
Harrogate Council has been shortlisted in the Management Team of
the Year category alongside Kirklees Revenues and Benefits Team
and Leeds Public Private Partnership Unit.
This is the first time that authorities in the Yorkshire and
Humber have had the opportunity to have their achievements
recognised on a regional basis.
These awards are open to the 22 councils in the region as well
as the four fire and rescue authorities.
Those nominating to the Management Team category had to
demonstrate excellence in their approach to clients, colleagues and
the outcomes it delivers.
The council's housing team was this year recognised as the top
housing performer in the whole country for the third time in a row
following an independent report into the country's 222 housing
authorities.
Councillor Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing
is supporting the team in these wwards. "To be
voted the top housing performer across the whole country for three
years on the trot, proved that Harrogate is the 'best of the
best'. Whilst this independent report
examined local authorities across England, it does
just focus on average re-let intervals; repairs completed on time;
and the percentage of rent collected. These
Yorkshire and Humber awards clearly allows us to demonstrate how
our team is managed and focuses on its relationships with those
either in housing need or housed by us. Being
shortlisted is an honour but a win would certainly be well deserved
for this very hardworking, committed and enthusiastic
team. These staff really do make a difference to
people's lives".
The Award Ceremony will be held on 30 November at the
Harrogate International Centre.
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.