GOOD SERVICE WILL GET EVEN BETTER

Anchor Trust has welcomed a finding by the government's housing watchdog that its sheltered housing service is 'good' and has 'promising prospects for improvement'.

In a report published on 12 January 2006, Audit Commission inspectors rated Anchor Retirement Housing as providing a two-star, good, service. ARH is the largest provider of rented sheltered housing in the country and part of Anchor Trust, England's largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people.

Inspectors praised the easy access tenants have to services and their ability to strongly influence the way services are delivered locally. They also found that operating costs are below average and Anchor has delivered significant savings while also improving customer services. The rating follows an on-site inspection during the latter part of 2005.

Anchor Trust Chief Executive John Belcher said:

"Anchor Trust is a dynamic organisation and we know that challenge and change are vital to our continued ability to improve the lives of older people. We are glad our work has been recognised by the Audit Commission. Our values and culture ensure that present and future customers are at the heart of all our activities. In order to position ourselves for the future, we have initiated a comprehensive change programme, the benefits of which are now filtering through to our staff and customers."

"Some of the inspectors' recommendations had already been identified internally and we are glad that the Audit Commission has endorsed the work we are doing to become even better. Overall, we are glad that the Audit Commission has recognised our good performance and our determination to deliver."

"Naturally, we are pleased that areas of best practice have been recognised and reported. Our thanks go to our tenants, staff and members of the Board who so ably supported the process."

Click here to see the full report on the Audit Commission website