IT TAKES almost 10 weeks to re-let empty council properties, a review of Halton Council's housing management function has revealed.

External consultants KPMG recently completed a review of the housing service in Halton.

The review was initiated by chief executive Mike Cuff following the findings of a number of internal audit investigations which identified serious failings in the repairs service.

Members of the policy committee have approved radical changes recommended by KPMG in the way the housing service is organised and delivered.

The council's "poor performance record" on re-lettings was found to be the culmination of various factors, such as delays in the completion of repairs work, duplication of inspections between housing client staff and DLO staff and poor relations between the housing service and commercial services.

A weakness in the recording of allocations and lettings work and the extent of repair work ordered to meet the voids minimum standard were also blamed.

"The latest performance still shows turnround at nearly 10 weeks. This is therefore still a key area of attention," members of the Widnes area housing sub-committee were told this week.

"Some short-term improvements have been made."

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