Two stars puts Sutton in the money

Winning two stars from the Audit Commission has opened up the government’s coffers to the sum of £5 million for a London ALMO.

Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP), which manages more than 6,000 homes for the London Borough of Sutton, opened up the first tranche of Decent Homes money totalling £112.5 million over the next five years after it secured the two star good verdict, with promising prospects for improvement.

Although renovation and repair works are ongoing, the funding means that the ALMO can begin a wider programme to bring kitchens, bathrooms and heating up to standard.

The Audit Commission identified a number of strengths, including accessible services, good quality information, residents involved in improving services and a prompt repairs service.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded these all important two stars and we are extremely proud of what we have all achieved together,” said Andrew Taylor, SHP’s chief executive. “I want to thank all the staff at Sutton Housing Partnership and our residents for their support, hard work and dedication.”

Jean Crossby, SHP resident and chair of the Sutton Federation of Tenant and Residents’ Associations commented: "We would like to thank all the staff at Sutton Housing Partnership for their hard work enabling our ALMO to achieve the two stars.

“Over the last year staff and residents have achieved a great deal together. Services, planning and involvement have improved to a much higher standard and Sutton has an ALMO we can be very proud of. I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time and commitment to be involved, we just couldn’t have done it without you.”

Councillor Sean Brennan, leader of the council, added: “This is fantastic news for thousands of council tenants. The first instalment of the ‘Decent Homes’ funding will start in just over two month’s time. I would like to thank residents and staff for working together to help us achieve the two star rating from the Audit Commission and look forward to an exciting year ahead for Sutton’s housing.”