Community Ownership – delivering for tenants?
Lewis Macdonald MSP, Depute Minister for Health
Philip Jones, Chief Executive, Berwickshire Housing Association Ltd
Karen Neary, Chief Executive, River Clyde Homes
Following a series of high profile votes against stock transfer, tenants in Inverclyde have opted for a new landlord.
Inverclyde is an area of high deprivation where only 5% of stock meets the SQHS, and rents are the highest in the country. They also face addition challenges as over 50% of tenants are over the age of 60 and one-third of all tenants are disabled. Karen Neary explained that the stock profile has forced River Clyde Homes to look for innovative and positive solutions.
Post ballot, River Clyde are working closely with tenants as they overhaul key services; introduce of measures to sustain and engage with communities, introduce staff training, build 1,000 new homes and invest an average of £60,000 in each home of the existing stock.
She highlighted the specific challeng to balance income from a housing stock that is expected to be cut by 40% over the next ten years while guaranteeing rent levels and investing record amounts of money.
As one of the first organisations to embrace stock transfer, Berwickshire Housing Association, plays a significant part in the economy of the local community. Philip Jones explained Berwickshire's successes have included the development of Homehunt and Homerun, IT business solutions. They have also introduced environmental sustainable options to new properties, achieved a reduction in fuel poverty of 25%, saved £30,000 on voids, sponsored apprenticeship schemes and developed an adult learning centre.
Berwickshire's cultural and business aims have shifted firmly towards not only investing in the fabric of tenant's homes, but also in building communities and developing real partnerships with the local authority and other key players.
Overall, Berwickshire have invested £3 million per annum within the local economy, with another £2 million benefiting the local community directly.
Both River Clyde Homes and Berwickshire have found positive ways to ensure that stock transfer really does meet the needs and aspirations of their communities.