I have investigated what constitutes the 'Decent Standard' to which housing association homes should have achieved
by 2010.
This government doc details what is 'a decent home'
http://www.communities.gov.uk/docume...pdf/138355.pdf
"5.18 The ages used to define the ‘modern’ kitchen and bathroom are less than those for the
disrepair criterion. This is to take account of the modernity of kitchens and bathrooms,
as well as their functionality and condition. This principle was agreed with local
authority representatives during the consultation on the formulation of the MRA
allocations. This allows for dwellings to be improved to a more modern standard
than would simply be achieved by applying the disrepair criterion."
Annex A of that document shows that kitchens and roofs over 30 yrs old and bathrooms over 40 years must be replaced.
These flats were built early 70s so are nearing 40. I could tell by the chipboard/melamine faced kitchen cupboard doors I replaced that they were worn 'threadbare' and likely original.
and
Decent Homes Standard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The last Audit Commission report was in 2008 and gave them a score of 1 (fair)
Zero would have been poor - 3 would have been good.
"Hyndburn Homes provides a 'fair' service with 'promising' prospects for improvement, according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission. On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the organisation a 'fair' one-star rating, because of improving customer focus and local access to services. The investment programme to improve homes to a decent homes standard is being delivered on time although some major investment decisions still have to be taken."
Ref 'promising' they are good at that!
Hyndburn Homes delivering 'fair' service to tenants - Audit Commission
"However it also highlights some areas where improvement is needed:
The service providing aids and adaptations for people suffering a disability is poor, with confusing information and access arrangements
Limited work has been undertaken to improve the local environment
There are a number of properties with a low level of thermal efficiency, requiring people on low incomes to spend a significant proportion of their income on adequately heating their home
The lack of a comprehensive maintenance programme, for example covering painting
Little work has been carried out to ensure policies and procedures provide fair and equal levels of service
The inspectors made a number of recommendations. These include:
Improving the way assets are managed and maintained
Improving value for money
Improving performance in delivering aids and property adaptations.
Ensuring services meet the diverse needs of all tenants"
From looking at what they should have done, what they promised to do, with what they have actually done, it is clear to me that an audit commission report now would be 'zero'.
The flats have been neglected - we have not had '
fair and equal levels of service'