A recent survey shows that tenants of homes owned by Great Yarmouth Borough Council are happier with the services provided for them than three years ago.

A satisfaction rate of 81 per cent was up two per cent on the result of a similar survey undertaken three years ago. But that was just the tip of the iceberg as the Council's housing department beat the benchmark figure of the organisation carrying out the survey time and again.

ORC International of London sent questionnaires to 1,250 randomly chosen tenants, and received back 661. As well as looking at the percentage of people happy, or otherwise, with services they also measured them against a benchmark based on data from more than 100 local authority housing providers and other social landlords across the country.

As well as beating the benchmark on satisfaction for overall service by three percent, 84 per cent of Great Yarmouth tenants felt their rent represented good value for money as against a 73 per cent national figure.

Other areas the Borough scored well in were tenant satisfaction with accommodation (85 per cent against 82 per cent nationally), and satisfaction with their neighbourhood (79per cent compared to 77per cent).

When it came to dealing with the housing department's staff 86 per cent of tenants felt they were helpful and 77 per cent found that staff were able to deal with their problems.

Repairs also featured high scores with 80 per cent of respondents satisfied with the service provided, and the attitude of the people who carried out the repairs got a 92 per cent vote. This is even more important, as three quarters of residents see repairs and maintenance as the most important service they receive.

More tenants felt the Council kept them well informed and there was a three per cent rise (to 64 per cent) in the satisfaction rate with the opportunities for involvement in management decision making.

The topic most likely to lead to complaints was litter and rubbish with 17 per cent of tenants finding this a problem.

"The report shows that our services are valued," said Denis Gilbert, Director of Community Housing. "We have a very dedicated team of people working at all levels to provide and maintain homes, so it is welcoming to see this endorsement of their hard work.

"The future will see even greater involvement of tenants in the management and decision making process, which we are confident will bring continued improvements to the services we provide."

"Gaining such an endorsement from our tenants is very welcome and reflects the close working relationship between the housing department and many tenants," commented Councillor Robert Peck, Cabinet Member for Community.

"In this area Great Yarmouth leads the way in tenant participation. Having a say in how decisions are made about your home and neighbourhood is an important issue for many tenants."

Even happier was Mrs Galey of Pembroke Road who won Argos vouchers in a draw open to all tenants who completed the survey. Her prize was presented to her by Councillor Peck.

"Winning was a lovely surprise," she commented. "I filled in the form and then forgot about it, but I am sure the vouchers will come in handy for me or my grandchildren."

For further information contact Tenancy Services Manager Robert Read on 01493 846279 or e-mail rr@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.