Charing Cross tenants say ‘yes’ to transfer to West of Scotland Housing Association
The two organisations worked closely together to develop a transfer proposal that has been shaped by Charing Cross tenants through months of engagement.
Charing Cross Housing Association (Charing Cross) tenants have backed the proposed transfer to West of Scotland Housing Association (West of Scotland) with 96.1% voting yes to the proposal. The ballot was open for 31 days, with 72.4% of tenants taking the opportunity to cast their vote and make their voice heard.
West of Scotland and Charing Cross worked together to create a joint business case for the transfer of engagements of Charing Cross’ interest into West of Scotland that would allow the expanded West of Scotland to do much more for Charing Cross’ tenants, other customers, and staff members. The two organisations worked closely together to develop a transfer proposal that has been shaped by Charing Cross tenants through months of engagement.
Charing Cross shareholding members will now be invited to two special general meetings where they will be asked to approve, then confirm, a special transfer resolution to complete the transfer process. Subject to the support of Charing Cross’ members, and other final consents being achieved, the transfer is expected to complete on 1 August 2022. At this point, West of Scotland will become responsible for delivering the homes and services currently provided by Charing Cross.
West of Scotland is now getting ready to start delivering on the promises made to Charing Cross tenants, including a one-year rent freeze, additional investment in homes and the local environment, and a host of other improvements in local services.
West of Scotland has over 3,700 affordable homes across Scotland. The transfer from Charing Cross brings another 509 additional homes.
Ian McLean, Charing Cross’s Chairperson, said: “The Management Committee was very happy with the package of transfer promises that we secured from West of Scotland. These will make a huge positive difference to our tenants, in terms of improved rent affordability and additional investment in homes and communities.
"Our staff will continue to provide great local services to our tenants, but with the backing and scale of West of Scotland. We were delighted that so many tenants took the opportunity to vote, with a clear majority voting in favour. This provides a strong mandate for West of Scotland, going forward, to deliver on the promises it has made.”
Kelly Adams, Chair, West of Scotland Chair, added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Charing Cross tenants have voted in favour of the transfer, and we look forward to welcoming them as well as the fantastic staff team into the West of Scotland family in the coming months.
"The transfer will combine the strengths, capabilities, assets, and traditions of both organisations to create a stronger entity that can deliver a thriving future for tenants, other customers, and staff.”
Brian Gannon, Chief Executive Officer, West of Scotland, said: “We feel very privileged that the tenants in the historic communities of Woodlands and Garnethill have put their faith in West of Scotland Housing Association to deliver on our transfer promises.
"We look forward to delivering, to both communities, the excellent wider support services and strong community engagement that existing West of Scotland Housing Association tenants have benefited from for many years.”