The inspection was carried out in December 2009 and is the first time that the association has undergone a formal inspection of its housing services.

The Commission has recognised that North Lincolnshire Homes is providing a ‘fair’ service to its 10,000 residents and that it has ‘promising’ prospects for further improvement.

The report recognises that North Lincolnshire Homes has a strong customer focus, that tenant satisfaction is generally good, that homes have been improved to a high standard and that the quality of most services has significantly improved since homes were transferred from the local council less than three years ago.

 In welcoming the report, Chair of North Lincolnshire Homes Tony Lightfoot, said: “The Board and employees of North Lincolnshire Homes are committed to providing the best possible services and value for money for all of our customers.

“I am proud of the achievements that have been made in North Lincolnshire Home’s short history and I welcome the findings of the Audit Commission.

“Customers are at the heart of the service we provide and I am particularly pleased to see that the Commission recognises the good work that is taking place to involve residents in helping us deliver improved services.”

North Lincolnshire Homes was established in February 2007 to take over the ownership of more than 10,000 homes from North Lincolnshire Council. The association is non-profit making and governed by a Board of 15 members, including tenant representatives, local councillors and independent members.

Andy Orrey, Acting Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Homes, said: “I am especially pleased that the Audit Commission considers we have promising prospects for further improvement as the region’s largest social housing provider.

“The report states that there is effective leadership provided by the Board and managers of North Lincolnshire Homes and that we are a learning organisation, routinely using customer feedback to improve services.

“We recognise that there are areas of our service that still require improvement. These are areas that we have already identified and have put measures in place to drive forward improvements.

“The feedback from the Audit Commission will help us continue to grow as a company and deliver the high quality service that our customers deserve.”

One area in which North Lincolnshire Homes was judged to be particularly strong is Resident Involvement.

Managers and staff work closely with Community Voice, which is an active group of tenants, representing the 26 Resident Associations across North Lincolnshire.

Community Voice Chair, and North Lincolnshire Homes tenant, Janine Mee said: “Many tenants are involved in helping North Lincolnshire Homes develop their services to us. 

“I am pleased that the Audit Commission felt that there are plenty of involvement opportunities for residents and recognises how our input is helping to ensure services meet the expectations of tenants. 

“Community Voice will be heavily involved in helping North Lincolnshire Homes develop and improve even further.”