Individual housing association performance indicator (PI) results for March 2006 became available on the Housing Corporation website: www.housingcorp.gov.uk. The PI website is not only a user friendly benchmarking tool, allowing housing associations to compare data and results, but provides fast access to performance indicator related information.
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) joined forces with the Northern Housing Consortium, to deliver a 2 billion procurement framework aimed at the Decent Homes and housing repairs and maintenance sectors. This collaboration, potentially the largest ever public sector procurement exercise, will utilise an innovative new online process of Reverse eAuctions (REAs). The supply framework will cover the key sectors typically involved in Decent Homes work: heating systems, bathrooms, electrical systems, kitchens, windows, doors and roofs. The first e-Auction is scheduled to take place in January 2007.
City of Durham Council announced it is to extend its work with Northgate Information Solutions and implement a new housing management solution. Under a contract worth approximately £900,000 over five years, the new solution is designed to improve the ability of the Council to provide housing related services and to optimise the management of its housing stock. It will improve information management and streamline existing processes, which will help to provide more flexible citizen-centred services and offer better public value.
Capita Software Services announced that Broadland District Council and West Dorset District Council have both selected its Academy housing suite of software. The combined contracts, valued in excess of £200,000, will streamline the Council's existing housing service and improve accessibility to information and accountability to residents.
This integrated strategic housing system meets the legislative needs in the areas of housing options and homelessness. It also addresses common waiting lists and choice based lettings. In addition, a contact management feature allows for all customer and third party contact with the department to be recorded, along with the capability to support full case management.
The company also announced it has won a contract to provide revenues and benefits software for Coventry City Council. The new software will help the Council improve efficiency of internal processes, as it will enable full online integration and information sharing between its revenues and benefits departments.