Friday news round-up: 10 March 2017
Catch up with this week's SFHA members' news.
Affordable housing plan will help GHA with Baillieston regeneration
GHA to transform Main Street, Baillieston
Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) has announced plans to build affordable housing in Baillieston, Glasgow.
The site, in Main Street, contains a derelict police station, which has been unused for several years. The plans submitted to Glasgow City Council, which are at a very early stage, will see the decaying building demolished and replaced with affordable homes.
Cabinet Secretary visits integrated housing development in West Lothian
Horizon tenants meet Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities
Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities Angela Constance has praised the work that Horizon Housing Association (part of Link Group) does to increase the supply of suitable homes for older and disabled people across Scotland.
Ms Constance visited Horizon’s housing development in Fauldhouse, West Lothian, where she was able to see the impact of an integrated housing development on enabling the inclusion and independent living of older and disabled people in every community. Fauldhouse is a16-year-old development which provides homes for 24 diverse households and includes six homes designed to full wheelchair accessibility standards.
Caledonia marks Scottish Apprentice Week 2017 with MSP Bill Bowman
MSP meets Caledonia apprentices
Scottish Apprenticeship Week celebrates the benefits apprenticeships bring to individuals, businesses and communities across the country as well as their valuable contribution to the Scottish economy.
Strong advocates of Modern Apprenticeships, Caledonia Housing Association has four Modern Apprentices this year. With a wealth of enthusiastic Modern Apprentices, the association invited Bill Bowman MSP to chat to the young people about their experience.
Call to encourage uptake of benefits
New campaign to raise awareness of support available.
A new campaign to raise awareness of how people can claim the benefits they are entitled to has been launched by the Scottish Government this week.
A week-long series of radio and press adverts will run to highlight the range of support available such as the Sure Start Maternity Grant, Carers Allowance and the Funeral Expenses Payment.
It is estimated that in 2014/15, for Tax Credits and the main income-related benefits, there could have been over 500,000 cases of individuals or families in Scotland not claiming benefits they were entitled to.
Social Security Minister, Jeane Freeman, said that the benefits system exists to help those in need and on low incomes and people should not be worried about claiming what they are entitled to.
Larkfield celebrates its 20th anniversary at tenant open day
Housing association holds celebratory tenant open day
The open day provided an opportunity for staff and committee members to celebrate and engage with tenants and community stakeholders.
Local organisations, including Heat Energy Scotland, Future Skills Project, Your Voice and Financial Fitness Services attended, providing information about the range of services Larkfield has to offer its residents. There was also a raffle, bingo, live music and speeches followed by some lunch.
Maryhill pays tribute to board member Alistair Goold
Maryhill pays tribute to stalwart and “true servant of the community"
Alistair Goold was described this week as a “true servant of the community” and a dedicated supporter of the housing association movement.
He served on Maryhill’s Board and fulfilled the role of Vice Chair with passion and distinction.
Award nod for tech-savvy housing and care provider
Housing and care provider shortlisted for UK Housing Award
For the first time, Blackwood Housing and Care has been shortlisted as a finalist for the UK Housing Awards 2017, in the inaugural Outstanding Approach to Promoting Digital Inclusion category.
The nomination recognises Blackwood’s achievements over the past 12 months in enabling independent living through the use of cutting edge technology. Training on Blackwood’s integrated digital care system, CleverCogs, has opened up new horizons for some customers that have never been online before and tailored sessions and dedicated support has helped customers overcome their anxieties and fears, enabling them to explore the digital world.
Wheatley Group wins Healthy Working Lives Gold Award
Wheatley recognised for supporting staff health and wellbeing
The award follows site visits in February by assessors from Healthy Working Lives, an initiative run by NHS Health Scotland, and builds on the Silver Award Wheatley achieved in 2015.
The Health Working Lives assessors praised the work Wheatley has done for embedding employee health, safety and wellbeing across the organisation’s culture – and were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the staff that they spoke to.
New chief executive for Maryhill Housing
Housing association makes key appointment
Bryony Willett, who takes up the role immediately, was the organisation’s Director of Housing Services.
Bryony has a wealth of experience in the housing sector, both in local government and in the senior role she took up at Maryhill in August 2015.
Melville to deliver £1.6m in home upgrades over the coming year
Housing association invests in home improvements
Carried out by fitters from Dunedin Canmore, who have devoted a third squad of workmen to the Melville contract to cope with the extra demand, the replacement of almost 300 kitchens will be spread across much of Melville’s Midlothian stock, including homes in Gorebridge, Penicuik, Mayfield, Bonnyrigg, Pathhead and Poltonhall.
Record response rate to River Clyde Homes’ rent consultation
Large number of tenants respond to consultation
With 14% of the association’s customers responding to the consultation, 84% confirmed their support for the proposal.
Other charges will increase as follows:
- heating: RPI only (2%)
- garages, covered parking, ground sites and allotments: RPI only (2%)
- factoring: RPI only (2%)
- warden services (excluding Bagatelle Court): increase to meet actual costs of providing the service (9.85%)
- warden services at Bagatelle Court: increase to meet actual costs of providing the service (0.08%)
- Caretaking Services: increase to meet actual costs of providing the service (2.9%)