Official Newsletter of West of Scotland Housing Association

Summer 2017

Housing AssociationIt’s how you live

Part of Gentoo Group

Continued on page 2

West of Scotland Housing Association is currently partnered with the Gentoo Group. We believe that we can offer our tenants a better service as an independent housing association. When we joined Gentoo in 2013, it was thought that joining a larger organisation would bring a number of benefits. However, significant financial and regulatory changes over the last four years in England have negatively affected the Gentoo Group.

We are holding a ballot to ask tenants to vote on the proposal that ‘West of Scotland Housing Association ends the partnership with the Gentoo Group’. The ballot paper will ask you to vote to end the partnership or stay in the partnership.

The ballot opens on 7th August and will be open for 3 weeks until 28th August 2017.

Voting is easy, you can vote by…

Post Text message

Telephone Online

Plans to separate from the Gentoo Group

It’s up to you

The Tenants Information Service carried out an independent review and concluded that:

“The Association is completely viable in its own right. On this basis and taking account of the changing environment in England and the commercial difficulties experienced by Gentoo, we conclude that the Association is best served by leaving the group.”

SMS

www.westscot.co.uk2

With the Gentoo ballot just around the corner, I am so happy to be able to offer tenants the opportunity to steer the association towards a better future. As an independent association, WSHA will be able to focus its resources on the most important services across our communities.

Our staff will be in your area in the coming weeks explaining the benefits of leaving the Gentoo Group and encouraging you to vote.

I am delighted to welcome our Tenant Engagement Officer, Alistair Reid, to the organisation. He will play a key role encouraging tenant participation to make sure your views are heard. You can find out more about Alistair’s role on page 8.

With summer here, tenants have been enjoying the great outdoors with summer activities such as bike trips and gardening. We have a fun-filled activity programme which all tenants are welcome to join. Information page 5.

In light of the recent fire tragedy at Grenfell Tower in London, we would like to assure our tenants that all of our properties have the necessary fire precautions in place. The safety and security of our tenants is a priority. Find out more on page 11.

If you have anything you would like to contact me about email lynne.donnelly@westscot.co.uk or call 0141 550 5600.

Best wishes,

Lynne DonnellyLynne Donnelly

Chief Executive

Welcome

Key highlights

Summer Programme 5

Community Champions 4

Tenant Engagement Officer 8

How did they get a house? 10

Welfare Rights 6-7

Before the ballot opens, the Electoral Reform Service will send you information explaining how you can vote. The final decision to leave Gentoo belongs to our tenants. Every vote is important.

We have sent a special newsletter to all tenants with information about the proposal to separate from the Gentoo Group. If you would like another copy, please let us know.

If you would like information about the ballot, call our FREEPHONE number 0800 085 7375

Alternatively please contact Geraldine Connolly: 0141 550 5638

The Tenants Information Service (TIS) can provide independent advice on their FREEPHONE number: 0800 731 3772

If you know someone who makes a positive contribution to the community, we’d like to give them the credit they deserve.

To nominate someone, get in touch by emailing sophie.mead@westscot.co.uk or call 0141 550 5630

Nominate the next community champion

Plans to separate from the Gentoo Group

It’s up to you

continued from page 1

www.westscot.co.uk 3

Bike TripYoung tenants recently had the opportunity to learn about basic bike maintenance and put their skills to good use on a cycle trip to The Cuningar Loop.

The trip helped children aged 9-11 get to know the cycle routes in their local area by following lanes from Dalmarnock to The Games Village and over the new bridge. At The Cuningar Loop, the group enjoyed some healthy snacks and spent time playing and exploring the urban green space on their doorstep before returning home.

The bikes were provided by the Urban Fox Programme which is working with WSHA to promote healthy lifestyle choices and awareness of fun, outdoor activities for children.

The bike maintenance classes and trips have been very popular, so WSHA will be running sessions throughout the summer holidays. These will also be run for ages 12+. If you would like to find out more, give Sandra a call on 0141 550 5620.

The Urban Fox

Programme

Give it some Oomph!Residents at Witch Road have recently been enjoying Oomph classes, a programme of gentle aerobics, dancing, ball games and quizzes. The sessions encourage individuals to keep mobile and involve physical activity designed to stimulate the body and mind. Individuals who are less mobile are encouraged to participate from their seats. The classes also promote interaction between residents in a fun, laid-back environment.

Resident Margaret McDonald said: “I look forward to the Oomph class every week! Listening to all our favourite music is just smashing. I did ballroom dancing when I was 18 and the music fairly takes me back. I do enjoy having a tea and a biscuit at the end too.”

Maisie O’Brien, Community and Support Services Manager at WSHA said: “We’ve had a brilliant response to our Oomph programme at Witch Road and we now have a regular group attending sessions. Given its success, we hope to expand the availability of classes across our sheltered complexes so that more residents can get involved.”

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Over summer the residents of Hill Road have been busy creating beautiful garden displays outside their homes. The Association recently held a garden competition and invited two horticultural experts to be on the judging panel.

The winner was Graham Coombs, whose wheelbarrow of lavender and raised beds caught the eyes of the judges. Second prize went to Cathy Gemmell and third to Charles Henderson, who also works hard to maintain the roundabout at Hill Road.

Graham Coombs said: “Thank you so much. I really enjoy being out in the garden so I’m happy to see that people appreciate it.”

We are pleased to announce that our second Community Champion award has been presented to Hill Road Social Club.

The committee, made up of 7 members, regularly organises activities such as lunches, festive celebrations and social events to help residents relax, socialise and feel welcome. Led by chairperson Kate Coutts and Treasurer Nan Alexander, the committee ensures residents and guests of all abilities are given

special care and attention at their events. The club has established a fantastic sense of community and companionship at Hill Road.

Chairperson Kate Coutts said: “We feel so fortunate that we have our houses here so we try to give a wee bit back. The lunches are such a laugh.”

Resident Joe Nightingale said “Put it this way, we don’t know what we’d do without it.”

Garden Competition

Community Champions

1st PRIZEGraham Coombs receiving his prize from Nicola Mcnaughton (left) and Jenny Roberts (right).

3rd PRIZECharles Henderson

2nd PRIZE

Cathy Gemmell

www.westscot.co.uk 5

To ensure that holiday time is active and full of fun we have free activities and specialised sessions on offer, for all of our communities to enjoy.

The Breakfast Club welcomes tenants to the Barrowfield Community Centre on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am, throughout the summer. This is a time to enjoy a healthy, nutritious family breakfast. This will be followed by a variety of activities, delivered by some of our partner organisations – remember that all of the activities are FREE! (See full activity programme for details).

Please note that we will ask you to register at each event, where a consent form should be completed by a parent/guardian – Barrowfield Community Centre staff will be happy to help with this. Every effort will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend the activities, therefore, inform staff of any important information, e.g. food allergies. There are also summer activities scheduled for our tenants in Ayrshire and Lanarkshire – for up to date information, check out our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Happy holidays!

Summer Programme

Contact Barrowfield Community Centre on 0141 550 0036 or Sandra.Hendry@westscot.co.uk

Monday 3rd July10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club12.30pm-2pm – Stress Management & Relaxation Programme (Adults) facilitated by Lifelink 1pm-3pm – Outdoor Play (aged 8+) with Urban Fox

Wednesday 5th July10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club1pm-3pm – Sporting Activities (children aged 5-11) facilitated by Park Lives (Glasgow Life)

Friday 7th July 10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club1pm-3pm – Upbeat Drama (children aged 5-16 please register at BCC reception)

Monday 10th July 10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club10.30am-12.30pm – Chess Workshop with Colin Paterson12.30pm-2pm – Stress Management & Relaxation Programme (Adults) facilitated by Lifelink1pm-3pm – Outdoor Play (aged 8+) with Urban Fox

Wednesday 12th July 10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club1pm-3pm – Sporting Activities (children aged 5-11) facilitated by Park Lives (Glasgow Life)

Friday 14th July – NO PROGRAMME TODAY

Monday 17th July – NO PROGRAMME TODAY

Wednesday 19th July10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club1pm-3pm – Sporting Activities (children aged 5-11) facilitated by Park Lives (Glasgow Life)

Friday 21st July10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club1pm-3pm – Upbeat Drama (children aged 5-16 please register at BCC reception)

Monday 24th July 10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club12.30pm-2pm – Stress Management & Relaxation Programme (Adults) supplied by Lifelink 1pm-3pm – Outdoor Play (aged 8+) with Urban Fox

Wednesday 26th July 10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club1pm-3pm – Sporting Activities (children aged 5-11) facilitated by Park Lives (Glasgow Life)

Friday 28th July 10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club1pm-2.30pm – Young People’s First Aid, British Red Cross (10-19 years)

Monday 31st July 10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club12.30pm-2pm – Stress Management & Relaxation Programme (Adults) facilitated by Lifelink1pm-3pm – Outdoor Play (aged 8+) with Urban Fox

Wednesday 2nd August10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club12.30pm-2.30pm – Arts & Crafts

Friday 4th August 10.30am-12.30pm – Breakfast Club12.30-2.30pm – Fun activities (To be confirmed)

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

HOUSING BENEFITS

SUPPORT / ADVICE

www.westscot.co.uk6

Welfare Rights The UK Government has begun to introduce Universal Credit (UC) throughout the UK.

Over the next 18 months, Full Digital Service Universal Credit will be rolled out across Scotland.

Please see the table below for information of when this will apply to your Local Authority Area.

When UC is introduced in your area, it will mean that any new claims for the undernoted benefits will direct you to make a UC claim. UC is replacing these benefits for working age claimants, and this will mean that if you are currently in receipt of any of these, you will be invited to claim for UC instead. Likewise, if your circumstances change.

If you do not claim UC as instructed by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) your benefits will stop.

In order to make a claim for UC you will need an email address and a bank account.

If you are currently on Universal Credit or make a claim in the future, please contact us if you are having difficulty making the claim or accessing information on what your payments are for income and/or rent.

If you are concerned about whether or not your housing costs are being covered, it is important for you to keep in touch with your Housing Officer to prevent arrears building up.

Please remember that if you are in receipt of Universal Credit, you still need to make separate claims to your Local Authority for Council Tax Reduction and Discretionary Housing Payment for under occupancy (bedroom tax).

Please contact our Welfare Rights Team on 0141 550 5662 should you need any assistance or more information.

Universal Credit Roll-out

Local Authority Area Universal Credit Full Service

East Ayrshire October 2017

South Lanarkshire October 2017

North Ayrshire November 2017

South Ayrshire February 2018

North Lanarkshire April 2018

Glasgow September 2018

SUPPORT / ADVICE

Income Based Jobseekers Allowance

Income Related Employment Support Allowance

Income Support

Housing Benefit

Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

••

••••

www.westscot.co.uk 7

Welfare Rights

KEEPING WARM

CHILDCARE

ASSESSMENT

What is it?The Warm Home Discount provides a grant rebate on electricity bills to help towards your winter energy costs. The amount payable has been set at £140.00 and can be allocated in 2 ways: • Ifyouhaveacredit(Dry)meter,thefundsareapplieddirectlytoyourenergyaccount.• Ifyouhaveapre-paymentmeter,youwillbesentoneor2voucherstoredeematyourlocalPaypointoutlet

when you next top up.It is important to note that if you have any arrears owing to your supplier, the Warm Home Discount will repay this in the first instance.

Who Qualifies?You are automatically eligible for the Warm Home Discount if you are in receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. You do not need to apply and DWP will arrange for the credit to be paid directly to your supplier. For those who do not qualify through this route there is still a possibility that the Warm Home Discount can be applied.Each supplier has their own eligibility criteria that they apply but generally include families on low incomes, those living with a disability or households falling into fuel poverty.

Other useful information:• Someofthesmallerenergyprovidersdonotparticipateinthescheme• Ensurethatyourname(oryourpartner’sname)appearsonyourelectricitybill.• Ifyouswitchsupplieraftermakingtheapplication,butbeforetheawardismade,youwillnotreceivethe

Warm Home Discount award for this year.• Eachsupplierhasalimitonhowmanydiscountsitwillpayout.

How do I Apply?To claim the Warm Home Discount, call your electricity supplier or check out the website to make an application. Anyone who thinks they may be eligible should apply as soon as possible, as the earlier you submit your claim, the more chance you have of being successful.

When Can I Apply?Grants attributed automatically are usually paid in September of each year.For other tenants, applications are generally accepted between August and December, however, contact your energy company for exact dates.

When will I Receive Payment?The Warm Home Discount grant can be paid out any time between September 2017 through to the 31st May 2018. The sooner the application is submitted, the earlier your payment is issued, if successful.

Warm home discount

If you have any questions about making a claim or require assistance with energy or financial advice please call the Money & Energy Advice Team on 0141 550 5631 we will be happy to assist.

Help:

www.westscot.co.uk8

We are pleased to announce that Alistair Reid has joined our team as Tenant Engagement Officer. Alistair previously worked for the Tenant Information Services (TIS) so joins us with a lot of valuable experience in this area. We are looking for more tenants from all communities to get involved with the Association. This can be done in a variety of ways rather than just attending meetings. The role of our current Tenant Advisory Group will be expanding and we will be developing a scrutiny panel.

If you would like to become involved or find out more about this, please contact Alistair Reid on 0141 550 5060 or at alistair.reid@westscot.co.uk

The Association would like to pay tribute to Joan McMahon who sadly passed away in April.

Joan was an active member of the Tenant Advisory Group (TAG) and played a key role in forming the David Court and Newfield Court resident group. She was a passionate activist in housing who was always committed to putting her community first. Her experience and deep understanding of the housing industry brought a lot to TAG and her involvement in the Rate Your Estate Scheme helped identify and influence improvements across our housing areas.

Housing Manager Michael Gallagher said: “Joan was a really friendly, open person whose valuable contribution will be sadly missed at West of Scotland Housing Association.”

Introducing our Tenant Engagement Officer

Joan McMahon

www.westscot.co.uk 9

New Build Developments in Glasgow and South Ayrshire

Work is well underway at WSHA’s new affordable housing development at Earls Green, Troon. Earls Green, funded by The Scottish Government and in partnership with Stewart Milne Homes, will include a mix of 1 to 4 bedroom flats, houses and wheelchair accessible bungalows. The first properties are expected to be available for let in Autumn 2017 with the project due to be finished in Summer 2018.

WSHA is working in partnership with Mactaggart and Mickel to build an affordable housing development at Townend, Symington. Funded by the Scottish Government, Townend will include a mix of 1 to 3 bedrooms flats, houses and wheelchair accessible bungalows. Work is expected to begin on site in Autumn 2017.

Earls Green, Troon

Earls Green, Troon

Earls Green, Troon

Earls Green, Troon

Townend, Symington

Fielden Street, Camlachie

West of Scotland Housing Association has acquired an area of land situated on Fielden Street in Camlachie, Glasgow. The proposal for this site is to build affordable homes for social rent with a strong focus on design, outdoor space and environmental performance. The estimated site start date for the Fielden Street Development will be June 2018. The project will be funded by the Scottish Government through Glasgow City Council’s Development and Regeneration Services (DRS). This site presents an exciting opportunity for WSHA as it will continue the wider regeneration of Camlachie.

www.westscot.co.uk10

This is a question neighbours often ask staff when a new tenant moves into a house. The answer is that they applied and were top of the list after we awarded points in accordance with our allocations policy. We are now planning on reviewing that policy and any changes will also take account of new legislation following the 2014 housing (Scotland) Act.

We want to hear tenants’ views on the proposed changes and while a larger consultation with tenants will take place in a few months, we are looking to form a focus group to help draft the initial proposal. If you are interested in joining the focus group we can arrange meetings in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

Allocating houses can sometimes be contentious, so if you want to have an influence please call 0141 550 5600 (option 2) to volunteer or to discuss in more detail.

It has come to our attention that under very rare circumstances and in a very small number of cases, a part of the electronic circuit board of the Triton Safeguard+ shower may overheat. This can cause it to fail and if the shower is left running for prolonged periods, may ultimately lead the unit casing to melt.

Only this model of Triton Safeguard+ (shown here) is affected:

To that end we would, with your assistance, like to carry out an inspection to safety check your unit and correct any issues. Please contact our repairs team on 0141 550 5600 option 1 to arrange an appointment.

How did they get a house?

Shower Safety Inspection Reminder

www.westscot.co.uk 11

WSHA Response to Grenfell fire tragedy, Kensington, LondonFollowing the fire tragedy all social landlords in Scotland received a request from the Scottish Government Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart MSP, to review current fire safety procedures and assess the safety of building fabrics used to clad our buildings.

The Association does not own any high rise buildings so at present it is not subject to the same level of scrutiny as for buildings over 18 metres.

However, WSHA does have two blocks of recently built flats where wall panelling was used in the original construction. These are both in David Court, Camlachie, which has 4 storeys and Newfield Close which has 6 storeys. Both are fully compliant with the requirements for fire safety as stipulated in the Scottish Technical Standards. From our discussions with the architects for these flats, Coltart Earley and the contractor, CCG Ltd, we are confident that specifications for fire safety have been fully met.

The Association has advised local authorities about our findings to date. We will continue to give fire safety a high level of priority throughout our housing stock. Fire safety checks are built into our compliance regime and are reviewed by the Health and Safety Committee, attended by senior managers and the CEO.

Listed opposite are just some of the actions we take to ensure your safety.

Fire Safety

There are only 270 properties remaining on this year’s gas safety programme. City Technical have successfully carried out circa 2,780 Landlord Safety Certificates (CP12) so far which is a great achievement to all involved. If you are one of the 270 properties remaining we will be in touch two months before the expiration of the CP12.

Gas Safety

We are currently fitting CO2 detectors (carbon monoxide) where we have gas boilers. We carry out regular checks to make sure common areas and staircases of flats are kept free of obstructions and combustible materials. Every property in our stock is fitted with a smoke alarms, with one on each level of your home and a heat detector in the kitchen. If you would like any advice about how to keep your home safe, call our technical team on 0141 550 5600. We carry out annual gas safety checks

••

•

•

We carry out regular checks to

and a heat detector in the kitchen. If you would like any advice about how to keep your home safe, call our technical team on 0141 550

Housing AssociationIt’s how you live

Please let us know if you need help to read or understand this information. If you require this information in large print, audio or any other language, please contact Sophie Mead on 0141 550 5630 or email sophie.mead@westscot.co.uk This newsletter is also available on our website www.westscot.co.uk

0141 550 5600 info@westscot.co.uk

westscot.co.uk @WSHAScotland

WSHAScotland GentooGroupLtd

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