Homeless let down in Bognor

The verdict on the council's services for those in need of a home of their own has come from a local government watchdog.

The Audit Commission's latest report says Arun is performing poorly for people who are likely to need care and support.

"The services that do not perform well '” such as providing homes that people can afford, dealing with homeless people and Housing Benefit '” affect people whose circumstances make them vulnerable.

"While the council has done a lot of work with vulnerable groups, it does not have a good track record of taking account of the different needs of local people and communities and its approach to this is only starting to develop.

"Where services are not performing well, it does not improve them fast enough," the commission's inspectors state in their damning verdict '“ called a comprehensive area assessment.

Adequate services

The failings in the services led them to label Arun as adequate overall for meeting only its minimum requirements. Bognor Regis Civic Society deputy chairman Hugh Coster said the findings supported its dealings with Arun.

"We have constantly found with the district council that they fail to connect with the community in areas such as regeneration.

"They are constantly lacking in their ability to communicate and connect with the local community in a realistic and meaningful way.

"We would like to see them make far greater efforts to properly communicate with local people," he said.

Cllr Paul Wells, a district councillor for Bognor Marine ward, said: "I'm not surprised by the commission's verdict. With the financial restraints which the council is facing, I think the situation will only get worse.

"That is going to put a huge amount of pressure on how the council performs.

"Rather than investing in their services, they seem to be drawing back into a defensive mode and doing only the minimum possible with a no frills council."

Service commitment

An Arun spokeswoman said it was committed to providing residents with the best possible service.

"We take on board the points raised in this CAA rating.

There is never any room for complacency and we constantly strive to improve services for all who live, work and visit the district.

"Dramatic improvements have already been made in the processing of housing and benefit claims, a point highlighted for improvement in this report.

"These figures were based on 2008/09. In March, it was taking 35 days to process new claims.

"We are now running at less than 14 days, with much of the work being completed within seven. Improvements have also already been made to our planning service."

The inspectors state Arun is providing many services very well. It highlights recycling, refuse collection and cutting crime.

Residents' general satisfaction with this work is highlighted.

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