MANNINGHAM Housing Association – which manages more than 1,400 homes in Keighley and Bradford – is celebrating.

It has been awarded the highest achievable gradings by the Regulator of Social Housing, the independent body responsible for overseeing the performance of housing associations in England.

The award follows a rigorous inspection process, known as the In Depth Assessment.

Manningham’s governance rating has been upped from G2 to G1, and its financial viability grading confirmed as V1.

In its formal judgment, the regulator says the association’s strategic objectives are clear, and compliance and risk management has been “further strengthened”.

Lee Bloomfield, association chief executive, praised his team for its “unstinting efforts” in achieving the ratings.

“The judgement is testament to what can be achieved when the board and staff work together for the benefit of our customers and the long-term future of the association,” he said.

And Keighley councillor Cath Bacon, who chairs the customer panel, pays tribute to the role played by tenants.

She said: “Alongside the association’s professional staff and board members, tenants have helped to guide Manningham Housing Association to such worthy recognition.

“The customer panel allows tenants to have their say on how services are run and evaluate how these might be improved.

“As one would rightly expect of people from Bradford and Keighley, they have not wasted this opportunity. That level of frank input has been beneficial to the association’s success.”