A Government watchdog has heavily criticised a Bradford housing association.

The Audit Commission labelled the housing service provided by Brunel and Family Housing Association "a cause for concern" after inspectors said it "failed to comply with the regulatory code" that governs housing associations' performance and was unable to show continuing improvement.

Nick Atkin, the Commission's head of housing, said: "Our main concerns arise from the delivery of the repairs and lettings service where the association has failed to ensure systems are fair and transparent.

"We also found evidence of weak management controls, which has led to poor outcomes for customers in six out of the seven key service areas we looked at.

"The way forward for Brunel is to build upon the work it has already done to actively engage its tenants."

The BFHA was formed in 1968 and has 2,400 general needs homes and 58 leasehold premises. It also has 450 supported housing bed spaces, and two thirds of its 210 staff provide services for vulnerable people, but these were not subject to inspection.

Most of the homes are in Bradford, but it also has sheltered housing in the neighbouring local authorities of Kirklees and Calderdale.

The report's main findings were:

l tenants found it difficult to get hold of the right person and get a satisfactory response

l there was little information for tenants - not even an appointment system for repairs

l the association's approach to gaining access to properties for gas safety checks was inappropriate

l there were weaknesses in the way the day-to-day repairs service was managed and it regularly overspent

l staff were badly trained or resourced and high turnover levels must be addressed.

The inspection team's recommendations include an effective performance management framework to identify and respond to weaknesses.

BFHA chief executive Margaret Street said she was disappointed with the outcome of the report, adding: "We fully accept most of the weaknesses identified. The inspection was carried out in March and we have dealt with a number of the more substantial issues since then.

"Work has already been completed in advance of the action plan requested by the inspectors to address a number of operational issues highlighted.

"For example, we have introduced more effective audit trails into the allocations process, set more stringent targets for responding to incidents of racial harassment, with associated monitoring on reporting arrangements and reviewed procedures for gaining access for maintenance inspections, after seeking counsel's opinion.

"We are committed to finding solutions to continually improve services for our tenants and will support our front-line staff to ensure these are carried out."