The housing service provided by Sheffield Homes is 'excellent' with 'excellent prospects for improvement', according to an independent report released yesterday by the Audit Commission.

On a scale from zero to three stars, the Audit Commission inspection team gave the Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) the top 'excellent' three star rating. Sheffield Homes has a good understanding of its customers' needs and has a strong commitment to customer care.

Improvement works to bring all homes up to the decent homes standard are well planned and managed. Customers are involved in the delivery of services and satisfaction levels are high. Repairs are carried out promptly and housing management services are performing well.

Yvonne Davies, Audit Commission Head of Housing and Economic Development for the North, said: "Sheffield Homes has maintained the high standards of housing services it set in 2005. Services are generally strong across the board. It has introduced new ways of involving and empowering tenants in deciding how to deliver services.

"The vast majority of customers are satisfied with the standard of services provided. The company has strong and effective leadership with a positive track record of improving services by learning from customers and other high performing organisations."

More information: Sheffield Homes