SBHA budget puts tenant priorities at top of the list
The Borders’ largest housing association has announced details of its plans for the coming year.
The Board of Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has announced details of its plans for investment in 2018-19. Agreed by the Board at its meeting last month, the views of tenants were high on the agenda.
SBHA Chief Executive Julia Mulloy said:
“We contacted all 5,636 tenants inviting them to our roadshows which were held in November last year in 13 locations across the Borders. Tenants talked about what is important to them and their local communities and told us what they feel SBHA should prioritise in our budget. Drawing on their suggestions, the budget provides for significant investment in both homes, services and the external environments of our estates.
"As a result, we are delighted to confirm that this year will be investing £1 million in improving the environment and shared spaces and £150,000 on roads and footpaths owned by SBHA.
"This coming year, as part of our six-year Neighbourhood Improvement programme, Tenants living in Selkirk and Hawick will benefit from a £4.7 million investment in new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, doors and windows where works are due.
"We remain committed to our six-year Planned Maintenance Programme, which concentrates on two areas at a time and will cover every town in six years. This new way of operating delivers the work in the least unsettling and disruptive way, and we hope it proves to be an extremely popular change to working practices, putting the needs of the tenants very much at the fore.
"Tenants tell us that keeping homes affordable to heat is important to them, and we continue to help provide affordable warmth to all tenants by committing to ensure all SBHA homes will meet the Scottish Government’s energy efficiency target for social housing in December 2020. We will do this by investing over £7.4 million in improved heating and energy efficiency works in tenants’ homes.
"With a focus on local employment, the association is delighted to announce the creation of four new trades apprenticeships in 2018-19 and one office traineeship. In addition, the new grounds maintenance contractor, idverde will be employing local people, and using local firms where possible, as well as providing work placements and a further apprenticeship opportunity.
"Finally, the Board is pleased to announce the continued expansion and growth of the association, with plans to build 35 homes over the next few years. A new development at Rose Court in Galashiels is currently on site and will provide 10 new family homes.
Julie Black, Tenant Member of SBHA's Board of Management, said:
“I attended the roadshow when it came to Hawick, and we talked about the things we wanted improved and ideas for enhancing our estates, making them safer and nice areas to live. As a Tenant Board Member, I was pleased to see how our tenant feedback was taken on board and included in such a clear way in the plans for investment in 2018-19.”