Minister praises Glasgow Housing Association for progress made on homes front

Mar 3 2011 By Ben Spencer

HOUSING and communities minister Alex Neil has congratulated Glasgow Housing Association on their progress over the past year.

He visited the association's HQ in the city centre to meet board members and discuss improvements made since they carried out a review around a year ago.

GHA listened to the views of tenants, factored homeowners, staff and stakeholders including the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council before deciding on their new goals.

The result has seen a slimmed-down head office and a strengthened frontline - with 82 per cent of staff now involved in delivering services directly to tenants and factored homeowners.

A new charter for tenants has been introduced, along with area committees to give them more say.

A schedule of second stage transfers has been implemented where it is what tenants want.

The GHA have also been recognised for their excellence in customer service and health and safety.

Neil said: "GHA have made excellent progress over the last 12 months delivering 15 stock transfers, implementing new governance arrangements and maximising the economic benefits from their investment. As a large housing organisation, GHA are in an excellent position to respond to the challenges that lie ahead and to meet the needs of their tenants, factored homeowners and the city."

GHA chairman Gordon Sloan said: "We were delighted to welcome the minister to the board to talk about our progress and our plans for the future as a long-term landlord."