Audit Commission report on Homes for Islington

p 66 London Borough of Islington - Homes for Islington (ALMO)
Tenancy management
There is a clear strategic approach to ASB, the ASB strategy, developed with the
crime and disorder reduction partnership, of which HFI is a partner, sets out clear
priorities and actions. The specialist staff at area offices can link in to Islington’s
antisocial behaviour team (IASBT) that is a partnership of the council, HFI and
Police. This team take forward high profile cases, provide neighbourhood
mediation, parental support and technical support for area based staff. In addition
there are local multi-agency geographical panels (MAGPIs) where all agencies
involved including the police have a forum to work out ways of dealing with local
low-level criminal activity. There is an information sharing protocol with the police
which is effective and has helped deal with a recent crack house closure order.
Around 400 risk based tenancy audits are carried out annually to identify illegal
occupants. Tenancy management advisors check proof of identity and where the
outcome is suspicious cases are passed to the housing investigation team (HIT)
for further action. This is made easier because all new tenants have a
photograph taken at sign up and at mutual exchange sign ups. These digital
photographs are retained on the house file and are used to clearly identify legal
occupants.
Estate services
The procurement of the contract for wheel clamping and vehicle removal is a
three year contract with a further two year extension option based on
performance. Four members of the selection panel were residents who
challenged contractors and visited vehicle pounds as part of the selection
process. There is a clear after-payment appeals process in respect of wheel
clamping and vehicle removal. Around 12 per cent of clamping cases are
appealed against each year with an average of one in ten appeals being upheld,
the cost of those upheld are met by the contractor.
Leasehold management
There is a joint policy with the council of selling on freeholds to leaseholders, the
process is simpler than the statutory enfranchisement, over 200 leaseholders
have taken up this option mainly in street properties.