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Bradford Community Housing Trust Group has again been awarded three ‘green lights’ for its overall performance following the latest assessment by the Housing Corporation.

All registered housing associations with more than 250 homes are regulated by the Housing Corporation who use a traffic light system to assess their financial viability, the way they are governed and housing management. A green light is the highest rating and red is the lowest.

The assessment (July 07) follows last month’s positive Audit Commission inspection of the BCHT Group which rated housing services as ‘fair’ with ‘excellent’ prospects for improvement.

In their report the Housing Corporation highlighted the good progress being made by BCHT to modernise its housing stock and meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard by 2010. They also commented on the good balance of skills and expertise on its boards adding ’there is a strong tenant and council presence on the boards of both the parent and subsidiary’. They recognised the Group ‘had made progress with service delivery …. ‘and was committed to the equality and diversity agenda.’ The report also highlighted the success of BCHT’s Bradford Homehunter, the award-winning choice-based lettings scheme including its success in ‘improved lettings to BME households… offering more choice… and greater transparency.’

The Housing Corporation recognised the progress made by BCHT to improve overall performance, strengthen customer involvement and develop its tenancy enforcement work.

Martin Smith, Chairman of BCHT Group said: “The award of green light status is excellent news during what has been a period of rapid change for the organisation. This positive assessment reflects the outstanding commitment of board members, staff and our partners to improve services and performance. It also recognises the increasing involvement of local tenants in the Trust’s work.

BCHT Group Chief Executive, Geraldine Howley said: “I am delighted that we have received this positive assessment following our Audit Commission report, which highlighted the Group’s excellent prospects for improvement.

“The Housing Corporation assessment recognises we are continuing to move forward through the introduction of a more streamlined governance structure. These are exciting times for the whole Group and we are in excellent shape to meet the challenges ahead and deliver our vision of being Landlord, Employer and Partner of first choice.”

In February 2007, BCHT Group received three green lights from the Housing Corporation.