Report demands action to improve life for Durham families
Jul 9 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal
THOUSANDS of homes across County Durham fall below the Government’s minimum standards, while hundreds are reached by unmade roads, say Government inspectors.
The report from the Audit Commission, published today, urges the new Durham County Council to “move quickly” to address problems including unemployment, poor health, decent affordable housing, access to public services and low aspirations.
The report recognises former district and county councils’ successful regeneration work, with particular progress in the City of Durham, Easington and Chester-le-Street. But it says much more needs to be done.
Marion Talbot, Audit Commission Comprehensive Area Assessment Lead, said: “The new council has a strong management team and a commitment to tackling this huge challenge, which is not made easier by the recession.
“The problems are well-recognised and there is a great opportunity to learn from the collective experiences of the district councils and to develop a joined-up approach. The new authority must take this forward rapidly.’
Audit Commission inspectors’ recommendations included:
By December 2009, to revise the county’s strategies to reflect understanding of all local communities’ needs, including the most vulnerable;
Ensure plans for developing better housing, skills, enterprise and the environment are fully integrated;
Develop improved understanding of the county’s businesses so the public sector can provide more targeted and bureaucracy-free support, and ensure education is more focussed on local employers’ needs.
The inspection found that hundreds of homes across the county are accessed by unmade roads. Many residents live in poor housing with poorer prospects for their health and well-being as a result.
Coun Clive Robson, Durham County’s portfolio holder for housing, said: "Building more affordable housing for the county's residents remains a top priority. I will make sure new partnership working with both Registered Social Landlords and with the new government agency for housing investment, the Homes and Communities Agency, will increase the supply of homes for those in need.
"Investment funding for the majority of the county's social housing stock is in place. Most tenants will have homes that reach the required standard by 2010. “
Neil Foster, the council’s portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said: "This inspection was carried out in unique circumstances as the fourth biggest unitary in the country was preparing to launch and in a hostile economic climate.
“Since becoming a unitary we have wasted no time in putting in place a robust network of advice and support to help residents and businesses.”
Copies of the report are available from Durham County Council or at: www.audit-commission.gov.uk.
