£50,000 wasted on "worthless" Government audit

But it told the authority nothing it didn't already know, say councillors.

Members of Rother cabinet spoke of their disappointment at a report which described Rother's housing as a very strong, fair, service with promising prospects for improvement...

This afternoon's meeting resolved to approve an action plan developed in response to the Audit Commission's findings.

Cabinet portfolio holder Cllr Joy Hughes said: "I have tremendous admiration for our housing department because it took seven long, wearying, months to get it done.

"It was hard work and I know everyone worked long hours on it.

"It was disappointing in the end. It cost us a lot of time and money to get an answer."

Cllr Ian Jenkins said: "Having been interviewed, I do ask myself what we have actually learnt that we didn't already know.

"An astronomical amount of work was done. I think it was admirable. But I do ask what we have some from it....

"I worry about staff morale where you have a report and where the result is not one that we felt is appropriate."

Cllr Robin Patten congratulated chief executive Derek Stevens on the council's letter of response.

"We meet all the Government's targets. You know how I feel about that. They are worthless and mean nothing."

Rother leader Cllr Carl Maynard said: "Clearly, I want to thank everyone involved, and that goes for every single member of the officer team.

"It also goes for all the members who submitted themselves to a less-than-friendly interview from members of the inspectorate.

"One wonders about the value of that collaboration.

"One is the ever-increasing cost of the operation of which this is another product.

"The audit costs at this moment over 100,000. "

The Audit Commission housing inspection had cost 50,000 plus an immense amount of officer time.

The only outcome was that as a result Rother now found itself falling behind with the very services it was seeking to improve.

"We are 50,000 lighter and considerable officer time has been spent on this to no avail.

"I believe all the building blocks are there to improve our housing position. I am very comfortable where we are at the moment."