The Housing Association of Choice

Spire View Housing Association joined fellow-members of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) to launch a campaign against Welfare Reform.

The rally at Celtic Park on June 10 marked the beginning of GWSF’s campaign against Welfare Reform including the introduction of Universal Credit and Direct Payment of benefits.

The protest follows the introduction of the “Bedroom Tax” which means a cut in the amount of housing benefit for tenants classed as having spare bedrooms.

The event was staged to highlight the engagement work local housing associations are doing to ensure the concerns and the voices of their tenants are being heard amidst the welfare debate.

GWSF is the leading membership body for community-controlled housing associations and co-operatives in west central Scotland.

Today, there are nearly 70 community-controlled housing associations and co-operatives working in local communities throughout west central Scotland.

Alan Benson, Director of Milnbank Housing Association who chaired the meeting said: “The bedroom tax is an unjust tax and is having a crippling impact on some of the most vulnerable people across our community. However it is just the start of a raft of welfare reforms which we believe could destroy decades of successful regeneration policy and empowerment across the community. The rally itself allowed us to join forces with fellow housing associations across Glasgow and the west of Scotland and launch a campaign against these reforms. It is vital that the voice of our tenants is heard amidst the current debate and we will continue to engage with the government and other bodies to ensure the interests of our community are being considered.”

Following changes in legislation, the Scottish Public Service Ombudsman has issued a model complaints handling procedure which all social landlords must follow.  We are pleased to advise that Spire View is fully compliant with the new procedure.  To view a copy of the policy and procedure, please click here.

Throughout May and June, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership will hold 21 local events, one in each multi member ward of the city, publicising the role of the Safe Glasgow Group; the community planning structure that Glasgow City Council is utilising to perform the role of scrutinising and reviewing the Glasgow Police, Fire & Rescue and Safer Communities plans.

The local events will allow Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue to inform residents of their interim plans and to gain feedback from residents on theses plans. Residents will be able to have their say about the safe priorities in their community.

A local elected member will open the events, followed by presentations and workshops from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, the Glasgow Housing Association and Glasgow Community & Safety Services about their local plans and the community issues they face. Residents will have a chance to meet with officers from the various agencies, will be able to talk about their local safety concerns and will have the option to complete a questionnaire where they can note their views.

A flyer for the events is attached including further information and a timetable with dates, times and venues.

Regulator publishes new guide for tenants and service users

The Scottish Housing Regulator recently published How We Regulate: A guide for tenants and service users.  This handy new guide has been written to help you find out more about the work of the Regulator.  The guide also explains what you can do if you want to find out more about your landlord, what you can expect from your landlord and how to raise concerns.

Iain Muirhead, Director of Strategy and Communications, said: “We’ve written this new guide to help tenants and other service users find out more about who we are and what we do to protect their interests.  We hope that people will find it useful.”

How We Regulate: A guide for tenants and service users is available to download from the Regulator’s website www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk or by clicking here.

If you are receiving Housing Benefit but are still having difficulty meeting your rent payments, you may be able to get extra help from the Discretionary Housing Payment Fund.  This may be the case if you are affected by the so-called Bedroom Tax.

The fund has been made available by the Council with assistance from the Government.

If you wish to be considered for a payment from the Discretionary Housing Payment Fund you must complete a claim form.  The form, and guidance on how to complete it, can be found on Glasgow City Council’s website.  The completed form should be returned to their offices at Charles Street.

If you would like to apply for help with your rent and council tax, please visit Glasgow City Council’s website to find out more.  You can apply online at GCC’s website, or you can download a form and hand it in to their offices in Charles Street in person.  If you require any help completing a housing benefit claim form, we can make you an appointment to see our money advisor.  For an appointment, please call 0141 552 7928.  Alternatively, you can pop into our offices and one of our housing management team will be able to assist you.  Finally, you can take the form to Charles Street and one of the housing benefit team in their office will be happy to help you.

We carried out a tenant survey a while ago and some tenants indicated that they might like to receive documents and information, such as newsletters and letters, in different formats, for instance in larger print.

Are you someone who would benefit from receiving correspondence in a different format, or do you know someone who would?  If so, please contact Sue at the office on 0141 552 7928 to discuss your specific requirements.

Examples of different formats could include:

• Larger print
• Braille
• Tape

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have issued a number of leaflets/posters with regards to reducing fires over the spring and summer period.  We’re working in close partnership with Springburn Fire Station to raise awareness of this issue.  We are asking our local community and businesses to join the fight against fire by managing and disposing of waste to preventing fires and by helping identify and report offenders.

For more information, please see the attachments below.

Preventing Woodland Fires
Preventing Fires
Preventing Fires in Royston

Our March 2013 is now available to download and read here.