TENANTS ASSEMBLY WELCOMES NEW HOUSING CONSULTATIVE GROUP

Stirling Tenants Assembly (STA) has welcomed the setting up of a new consultative committee, which will help to influence the make up of Housing Policy and Initiatives within the Housing Service.

Hugh McClung, Chairperson of the STA said “ This is a new initiative by Stirling Council to ensure that tenants are consulted at every level, and will take account of tenants views even after localised discussion has finished”. Hugh added, “ This goes to show that the Council are committed to engaging with its tenants in every aspect of the Housing Service, and we wish the new group every success in its work”.

The new group, which will consist of equal numbers of Councillors and Tenants from across the District and political spectrum, was introduced to tenants attending the Annual Conference of the STA held recently in the Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling which will ensure that tenants are at the forefront of policy development.

TENANTS CALL FOR DIRECT HOUSE BUILDING BY COUNCILS

At a recent Conference of tenants, held in the Dunblane Hydro on 19th – 21st October by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS), delegates resoundingly called on the Scottish Government to allow Councils to build new homes.

In a debate on homeless legislation, delegates to the Conference discussed recent Homeless Policy Acts and the impact on the homeless by the lack of decent homes or a shortage of new ones and the effects of migration and homelessness on waiting lists.

Over 300 delegates from across Scotland attended the Conference, which highlighted many issues affecting the Housing Services provided by landlords. There were many workshops, which dealt with specific subjects such as Arms Length Management Organisations, Anti-Social behaviour, Common Housing Register etc.

Delegates also heard of a proposed statement by the Scottish Government on the Housing Review, which will be published in the late autumn with a green paper being issued for consultation.

Social events were also held and over £800 was raised for charitable causes from the proceeds of raffles, quizzes etc.

TENANT INSPECTORS PRESENT COUNCIL WITH REPORT

A recent internal inspection of the Homeless Service by tenant inspectors was presented to Stirling Council Housing managers in the form of a lengthy report.

The document highlighting the findings of the inspection and requesting some recommendations to be approved to help improve the service were accepted by officers of the service, with assurances being given that the recommendations would be considered.

Mary Rainey , a tenant inspector said, “ Some of the investigations we made, which was carried out with the approval from the Council, highlighted some shortcomings in the service being provided to the homeless and we felt that the recommendations we made would help to improve that”. Philomena McClung , also an Inspector, added, “ By and large the Council's homelessness strategy works exceptionally well, but we felt it our duty to inform Housing Officers of some necessary changes we thought would help, and were delighted that the Housing Managers have agreed to examine the changes we have suggested”

A further meeting is being held in the coming months to consider progress of the reports findings.

If you would like to become a Tenant Inspector, then please contact the Stirling Tenants Assembly on 01786 432298. It will cost you nothing other than your time. All transport and reasonable care costs will be reimbursed. You may be asked to attend some training days, before carrying out an inspection.

“VILLAGE VOICES”

Stirling Tenants Project, in support of tenants groups, is promoting “Village Voices”.

This is to allow the Council contact with tenants where no group exists, and they can contact a person for views on the Housing Service. You don't need to attend meetings, nor write reports. If you agree to become a “Village Voice”, you will be contacted by the Council for your and/or your community's views on the Housing service from time to time.

You don't have to live in a village to become a “village voice”. You can be a community member, or just someone who lives in a street. Why not become one and let the Council hear your views or the views of your street/community.

For more information, contact Catriona Rowley on 01786 432298
or by email: rowleyc@stirling.gov.uk

Or write to: Stirling Tenants Project, C/O Stirling Council Housing Services
Room G16
Municipal Buildings
Corn Exchange Road
Stirling
FK8 2HU