The government should temper its move to replace the Decent Homes standard with a wider benchmark by taking into account the achievements of many arm's length management organisations to date.

As reported in your article (7 April, page 11), communities minister David Miliband is considering refocusing the 拢19bn flagship housing policy to give new focus to wholesale regeneration. This move should be commended but while it is important to focus attention on fostering sustainable communities, the fundamental benefits of the Decent Homes standard cannot be underestimated.

The initiative has raised standards in thousands of homes across the country, confronting challenges presented by few other housing projects. ALMOs have made a valuable contribution to delivering housing projects more quickly and cost effectively than ever before. Moreover, they have delivered record levels of satisfaction among end users - a crucial element of the Decent Homes programme and a foundation on which sustainable communities could be built.

Hounslow Homes for example has recorded significant cost and time efficiencies, successfully completing its Decent Homes target four years ahead of schedule. This achievement goes a way to proving the value the arm's-length route brings to the efficient and expedient completion of housing projects. By setting and achieving aspirational standards and working closely with constructors and partners, costs are reduced, efficiencies are increased, and residents' satisfaction is ensured.

The government must be careful to ensure that its wider benchmark does not negate the achievements delivered so far but build on the innovations that have been made.

Ken Morgan, partner, John Rowan and Partners, Ealing

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