Housing associations could double their savings by making improvements to their procurement processes, it has been claimed.

Research by the Audit Commission and the Housing Corporation suggests that savings of about £100 for every home could be made through better procurement of housing maintenance and repairs services.

The report acknowledged that a third of efficiency savings made by housing associations last year came from the practise.

Steve Bundred, Audit Commission chief, said: "Procurement can be a powerful tool in securing greater value for money.

"All housing associations need to look beyond unit costs, adopt a more strategic approach to procurement and apply the private sector’s approach to supply chain management.’

Linking procurement to sustainable efficiencies such as regeneration and sustainability can also save money, the report said.

The Audit Commission recently praised Amber Valley Housing Limited, which was described as providing a "good" service with "promising" prospects for improvement.

More about sustainable efficiences.