Spring 2019 CELEBRATING

30TH YEARS 2019 is the 30 anniversary of the Association and we will be holding a series of events throughout the year to celebrate, watch out for details in future newsletters and flyers. We would also welcome any suggestions from you on how we should celebrate this occasion. Throughout this newsletter we have included some information and pictures showing our achievements over the past 30 years, which I am sure you will agree have been many. The Association was registered in 1989 with assistance and support from the then Thenue Housing Association before going on to employ its first member of staff Susan Crookston in 1990, Susan remained with the Association until her retirement in June 2016. The first properties to be acquired and improved by the Association were Aberdalgie Path, Aberdalgie Road, Boyndie Street and Duntarvie Road, 79 units. During this work Picture shows school children releasing balloons as part of the Susan Crookston former director the existing tenants of celebrations for the start of the work these properties were on the Association’s first project. If you have any old pictures of the area we would decanted to 16 -22 be happy to share them within our newsletter, Aberdalgie Road, which have since been demolished please pop into the office with them and the and replaced with new build houses. reception staff will make a copy. RENT INCREASE CONSULTATION Between December 2018 and January 2019 we consulted with all tenants and sharing owners regarding the proposed rent increase for 2019/20, this was in the format of a questionnaire asking some questions about your rent charge and the services we provide. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to this consultation and those tenants who provided their name and address have been written to individually. The winner of our £50 Morrison voucher was Catriona Jamieson.

Blairtummock & Rogerfield Opportunities (BRO) The Scottish Housing Regulator has published its Framework on Regulation of Social Housing in , this Framework sets out how they will regulate both Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) and the housing and homelessness services provided by local authorities. Further information on this Framework can be obtained from the Associations office or at www. scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk.

In 2015 the Association appointed BRO to carry RIGHT TO REPAIR out close cleaning and in 2016 BRO also took on the contract for ground maintenance. Our Tenants are reminded that the Association is work with BRO has been very successful and has committed to the Right to Repair legislation for been extended to include minor repair works, small or urgent repairs and compensation to clearing void properties and gutter cleaning. BRO tenants when we don’t complete the repair in also carried out some of the works involved in the timescale laid down by the law. Any tenant the re-development of back-courts and they will wishing further details on the Right to Repair continue to assist with this until the Association should contact the Association’s Maintenance completes our back-court re-development staff for details. programme.

page 2 blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter TENANT INVOLVEMENT - WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE MORE INVOLVED? There is a variety of ways that you can become involved with the Association and the decisions that are made in relation to the services we provide these are;

Tenants Panel Registered Tenants Consultation A panel is a group of people Organisation Register who meet a few times a The Association will support You can put your name on year to look at how certain and assist anyone who our consultation register. services can be improved. wishes to set up a Registered This means that every time The panel would also be Tenants Organisation. we are considering changes, consulted over new policies In order to become we will ask your views first. and review of existing a Registered Tenants If you are interested in more policies. Blairtummock HA Organisation groups must information, please contact would provide the support meet certain criteria which Jacqui O’Rourke at jacqui. and information required to is set out by the Housing [email protected]. make the panel work. (Scotland) Act 2011. uk or 0141 773 0202 EHRA – Easterhouse Housing & Regeneration Alliance

Back in January EHRA which consists of all the Housing Associations across Great Easterhouse held a meeting with Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Local Democracy and EHRA are continuing to look at the delivery of local services and how we can become more involved in the process.

blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter page 3 MODERN HOUSING APPRENTICESHIP

Nicole Shaw Demi-Leigh Donald

Chartered Institute of Housing Level 2. Many of these young people have gone on to achieve successful careers in housing. Our current apprentice is Demi- Leigh Donald and I am sure Since 2007 along with our has been very successful. The many of you will have already partner’s in EHRA we have young person is employed met Demi-Leigh, we are looking supported 24 young people for 18 months with the forward to supporting her through the Modern Housing Association and during this through her Modern Housing Apprenticeships across time they learn about all Apprenticeship with the the 8 landlords in Greater aspects of the Association, Association. Easterhouse, and the scheme complete SVQ level 3 and

ILLEGAL USE OF PROPERTY… DON’T PUT YOUR HOME AT RISK! The Association would like to has been convicted of using remind all tenants of the action the house for illegal or immoral that can be taken if they use purposes. For example, there their property for illegal or have been cases where tenants immoral purposes. have been evicted for dealing in drugs and also for being involved The Scottish Secure Tenancy in the cultivation of cannabis Agreement states that: within their property. “You, those living with you and The Association has a sharing your visitors must not use your information protocol in place which have been made. house, or allow it to be used, for with the Police which states that illegal or immoral purposes.” At this stage, the Association if the Police obtain a warrant to will interview the tenant and The Association can apply for a search a property owned by the advise them of what action may decree to evict if a tenant, family Association, they will advise us be taken as a result of these member or visitor to the property of the outcome and any charges charges.

page 4 blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter Handyperson Service

In 2018 we launched our Here are some reviews of the service: handyperson service which is also provided by BRO. Ms Carol Donachie, Millennium Grove To qualify for this service, you “Fantastic service! must be a tenant, sharing owner or factored owner BRO have fitted curtain poles and hung of Blairtummock Housing her curtains for her. Association. You must be over I couldn’t survive without it as I can’t the age of 60, or disabled. use a step ladder. I won’t hesitate to use them again.” We can help with items such as: • Changing light bulbs • Home security improvements Mrs Ann McPhillie, Duntarvie Close • Assisting in bulk uplift • Furniture assembly “Would highly recommend the • Minor decoration handyperson service. • Cleaning internal windows • Putting up curtain poles BRO removed my old unit, built up the new one and put everything back There will be no charge for together again. this service although you must They were very clean and tidy.” provide materials. WHO LIVES WITH YOU? The Association wrote to all Please note that this 12-month To ensure that your tenancy tenants in October of last year qualifying period only begins on rights are protected it is very advising you of the introduction the day that we receive written important to ensure that you of the Housing (Scotland) Act notification from you of any advise us in writing of any 2014 and the impact that this changes. changes to your household. has on your tenancy rights. This includes telling us in One of the main changes writing about anyone who has from the new legislation is previously moved in with you that, from 1 November 2019, and when anyone moves into or there will be a 12-month out of your home in the future, qualifying period before you at the time they do so. can apply for permission to If you are unsure about make any substantial changes whether or not you have told to your tenancy. This applies us someone has moved into to your rights with regards your home, please contact our to assignation, subletting, office and we can review who applying for joint tenancy and is detailed as living in your succession of tenancy. household.

blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter page 5 DON’T LET THE GRASS GROW With such a change in the weather the competition will follow in our next from last year to this, already we are newsletter. seeing welcome signs of spring, and with the grass growing under our If you fail to keep your garden tidy/ feet, our thoughts turn to getting our grass cut, then you are in breach of gardens ready for spring/summer. your tenancy agreement, and action may be taken against tenants failing Blairtummock Housing Association to do so. As you can read elsewhere in would like to remind all tenants of their our newsletter, we will be reviewing our obligations to ensure that the garden is Estate Management Policy this year, well maintained throughout the year. and tenants will be able to help with Bulk items and litter continuing to be this by taking part in our consultation. cleared throughout winter. Now, with We would be happy to hear your views. the milder weather, the gardens will need more of our attention. Blairtummock Housing Association thank you again for your continued Your garden is inspected regularly co-operation with this matter, which and, if it is well kept, you could be helps us all to contribute to a nicer recommended for an entry to our environment in which to live. annual garden competition. Details of Garden Waste Have you recently cut your grass and black bags. You should then call found yourself unsure of what to do the Cleansing service on 0141 287 with the bags you have filled? 9700 (Option 1) to arrange a bulk uplift or report it online using the • Tenants who live in back and front myglasgow app. doors should put any organic garden waste into their brown bins Please do not leave your bags in the to be picked up by City street as these will not be lifted by Council’s Cleansing service. Cleansing. If you have bags containing soil, sand or rubble, these may incur • Tenants who live in ground floor a charge from the Council, you should properties and have their call to discuss own garden area should place their rates. grass and hedge clippings only into

GARDENING TOOLS If you need to borrow some gardening tools, we can help. We understand some residents encounter difficulties when maintaining their gardens. Blairtummock Housing Association have some non- motorised gardening equipment which tenants can borrow to spruce up their gardens. Please contact our office for further information.

page 6 blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter PICK UP OR PAY UP cases can lead to eviction from your home. Those responsible will receive a breach of tenancy warning from Blairtummock Following a request from our Housing Association. A Housing Estates Caretakers, we recently Association in Aberdeenshire met with the Community evicted woman from her tenancy Enforcement Officers from as a result of persistently allowing Glasgow City Council to discuss her dogs to foul the common the issues our Caretakers areas of the development she face every day in their job in lived in and not cleaning up after relation to dog fouling. The her pets. Persistent offenders, Caretakers do a fantastic job in including dog owning tenants our neighbourhood keeping the with sole use gardens, can be place clean and clear, however it is not their responsibility to clean reported to Environmental Health up dog fouling. The Caretakers Department or prosecuted under highlighted they are having to Section 49 of the Civic Government Scotland Act 1982 cut grass and clear litter and bulk Scotland Act (2003) if the owner What you can do: items from areas which are often fails to pick up immediately, and badly fouled. You can imagine the offender will be issued with an • Follow the golden rules: Grab the mess that can leave them in on the spot Fixed Penalty Notice of it, bag it, bin it. Any bin will do. when strimming or cutting the £80. • If you see someone allowing grassed areas. If this is not dealt with, the Fixed their dog to foul and if you The Community Enforcement Penalty Notice will increase to feel safe, politely but firmly Officers were glad to assist and £100. encourage them to clear up visited our neighbourhood recently after their dog. Offer them to assist in a door chap around Enforcement will be carried out in the area on a regular basis.” a bag if you happen to be some of the worst affected areas. carrying any. They chatted with tenants about The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act their work, with several of our 2003 applies to any public open • If you don’t feel that you can own tenant recently being fined, place. Public open place is defined approach someone, report and advised on dog owners as “any place which is open to the dog fouling to Glasgow City responsibilities. They are happy to open air and to which the public Council - particularly if you continue working closely with us or any section of the public has know who is letting their dog here at Blairtummock, and have access on payment or otherwise” foul regularly. To report dog agreed to extra patrols to the and “any common passage, close, fouling you can follow Glasgow worst areas. We have particular court, stair, back green, yard or City Council’s Environmental problems at the car parking other similar common area”. Task Force on Twitter @ bays at Aberdalgie Road and Dog fouling is not only a nuisance theenvtaskforce or on Errogie Street and the hill area in to pedestrians and walkers, it can Facebook Envtaskforce, Duntarvie Grove, to name a few. be dangerous to people’s health. through the MyGlasgow app We are often contacted by tenants Infections come from roundworm or by phoning the Council on complaining about the dog fouling that spread toxocariasis, 0141 287 1059. in an around their properties. symptoms of which include We all love our dogs and want The Enforcement Officers gave us dizziness and nausea, but in worse them to have the best life, so the following statement; cases, eye damage and seizures let’s get together and take a “Glasgow has a zero tolerance It is also a breach of the tenants’ stand against those irresponsible approach to dog fouling. It is an tenancy conditions to allow a pet dog owners spoiling your offence under The Dog fouling to cause a nuisance and in some neighbourhood.

blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter page 7 A LOOK BACK ON 30 YEARS AND WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED

Official opening of our completed first phase of refurbishment at 1992 Aberdalgie Path/Road, Boyndie Street & Duntarvie Road.

1995 Our first phase of new build – Cathie Mulligan, Boyndie Street.

1996

The official opening of our second new Mr & Mrs Wilkie with the then Chairperson build project on Duntarvie Road. of the Association Mrs May McLeish.

page 8 blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter A LOOK BACK ON 30 YEARS AND WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED

Mrs Ferguson and Elizabeth in 1999 1999 at their old flat which was on Easterhouse Road and was demolished to make way for new build houses.

1999-2000

Errogie Street – before and after refurbishment.

Reverend Cook and Cathie Mulligan, 2001 2003 then Chairperson of the Association official opening the new build houses Aberdalgie Road – prior on this site. to demolition in 2001 to make way for new build houses.

blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter page 9 ALLOCATIONS POLICY REVIEW We would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete our survey on the review of the Association’s Allocations Policy. Your feedback and views are an important part of our decision making process. 49 responses were received and we are working on a final version of the Allocations Policy, which will be informed by the views expressed through the consultation. influence. Blairtummock Housing Association is The Management Committee will consider the final committed to ensuring that there are ongoing draft and decide whether to approve and adopt the opportunities for all service users to participate revised Allocations Policy. in the design and delivery of their housing and associated services.’ Once the revised policy is approved, staff will put in place the relevant actions and changes required which will involve reviewing all current housing What does this mean? list applications. • We want you to have a say in shaping the The new policy will be implemented by 1st services we provide. May 2019. • By taking part, we get to understand your views and priorities and you can help us to improve Why do we consult with tenants? the way we are doing things. • To meet the aims of our Tenant Participation & Our next policy for review will be the Estate Scrutiny Strategy which are: Management Policy. Please contact Gillian Bell at our office for more information on how you can ‘…..to ensure that service users have the capacity get involved. to influence and that the Association is open to PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR The Association has a large Investigator to gather more detailed number of applicants waiting to be information and help us recover housed and it is important that our properties where tenants are not properties are not being used for living in a property. the purpose of fraud. If you suspect that someone Where we suspect that a tenant is not residing in their is not living in their property as property, you can report their only or principle home, we this confidentially by will carry out an investigation. The contacting David McNeil Association is now also able to or Amanda McGinley at access the services of a Private our office.

page 10 blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter RENT INCREASE By now, you should have received written confirmation received correspondence regarding this. confirming your rent increase for 2019-2020. The Association If you pay by any other method, have notified the Housing please ensure you pay the Benefit office and the DWP correct amount to prevent your (Universal Credit cases) of these account going into arrears. If you increases. require any assistance/advice, please contact our office to If you pay by Direct Debit, the arrange a suitable appointment Association have notified Allpay with Gillian Bell to discuss your to increase your payments rent account in detail. accordingly and you should have DIRECT DEBIT Why not simplify your rent payments….….Direct Online Debit is the easiest and most convenient method of paying rent, you can pay weekly, Web address www.allpayments.net fortnightly, 4 weekly or monthly and we can set You will need to set up a new account the first this up for you over the phone or in our office. It time you log on and the 19 digit reference only takes a few minutes of your time and takes number from your allpay card the stress out of remembering to make rent payments on time. Allpay App If Direct Debit does not suit you, we offer a On the allpay.net web page you can download variety of payment methods: the payment app to enable payments to be By Allpay Card made via your smartphone or tablet. Any outlet with the Paypoint symbol At any Post office Please keep receipt and allow 3 working days for the payment to reach your rent account By Phone using Debit Card Phone allpay on 08445 578 32, you will need the 19 digit number from your allpay card to complete the transaction Lines are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter page 11 WHAT’S NEW? New Local Universal and may be asked to prepare or on your own and no-one claims Credit Advice and look for work as a condition of Carer’s Allowance for looking receiving payment. You will not after you. Support Service be affected if you are receiving Pension Credit or Pension Age For further advice, please make Every Tuesday from 1.30pm- Housing Benefit. If you think an appointment with our Welfare 3.30pm at the Pavillion, you may be entitled to Pension Benefits Advisers. 47 Aberdaglie Road. No credit, you should consider appointment is required, just making a claim before 15th May Rent Increases and drop in to get advice and 2019 or contact our office for an Universal Credit support with: appointment with our Welfare • Creating a UC account Benefits Advisers. Rents will increase from 1st April 2019. • Making a claim Universal Credit & • Creating and using emails Severe Disability If you are a Universal Credit • Adhering to your claimant claimant you are required to commitment Premium verify the amount of your new rent charge with the DWP. If • Advice on advances Some people are being wrongly • Advocacy support advised to claim UC. If you are you do not, your housing cost receiving a Severe Disability element will be paid at the old Mixed Age Couples Premium you should not claim rent charge until you do. Universal Credit. From 15th May 2019 if you are You should update the new rent part of a couple and one of you is You may be entitled to this charge in your UC online Journal under State Pension Age, you will additional premium if you receive from 1st April 2019 onwards. Do no longer be able to make a new Personal Independence Payment, not make any changes until after claim for Pension Credit. Instead Disability Living Allowance or this date or your notification will you must claim Universal Credit Attendance Allowance, you live be rejected.

page 12 blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR SOME FAMILIES Nursery and School Age Grants are set to start after their third birthday. before Summer 2019. School Age Grant Scottish Government will provide low income Applications open on 3rd June 2019, put this date families with £600 for the birth of a first child and on your calendar so you don’t miss out! £300 for subsequent children. To claim your £250, you can apply online, over Eligible families may also qualify for 2 further the phone or by post. Further information can be payments of £250 when the child commences obtained at mygov.scot/benefits or by calling 0800 nursery and again when they begin school. 182 2222. You can also receive an additional £300 if you have Our Welfare Benefits Advisers, Nick or Marshall, an additional child from a multiple pregnancy. can provide further advice and assistance with To qualify you must: applications. • be lawfully resident in Scotland and • receive a qualifying benefit or are a parent and under 18 years of age or still a dependent child of a parent who meets the financial test. Qualifying Benefits are any of the following: • Income Support • Income Based Jobseekers Allowance • Income Related Employment & Support Allowance • Pension Credit • Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit • Universal Credit • Housing Benefit Applications can be made anytime from the 24th week of pregnancy until 6 months after the birth of a child. Where there is a change in childcare responsibility this time is extended to 12 months. Only one application can be made for each child unless there is a change in childcare responsibility such as Kinship Care or adoption. Where parents separate second or subsequent claims cannot be made. Payments will usually be made into bank or credit union accounts of your choice and will not affect other benefits. Early Learning Nursery Grant Applications can be made from the day of your child’s second birthday until 6 months

blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter page 13 WHO’S WHO – HOUSING SERVICES David McNeil has been promoted We have had a few changes recently within to the role of Housing Officer. our Housing Service Team. Lisa Woodburn David is responsible for: left the Association in November 2018 and we wish Lisa well for the future. • Allocation of properties • Tenancy sustainment • Estate management • Anti-social behaviour and neighbour John King, Housing Services complaints Manager, heads up the Housing • Any other non-income, tenancy related Services team. John has overall queries responsibility for the operation of the Housing Services and Maintenance sections. John Amanda McGinley joined the has been with the Association Association in November 2018. for over 15 years and will be a familiar face to Amanda is our new Housing many residents. Assistant and you will see Amanda regularly when she is carrying out area inspections. Many of you may have already met Amanda and she is looking forward to getting Gillian Bell has moved into a to know more of the residents. Amanda works new role as Senior Housing closely with David McNeil and assists with: Officer, dealing mainly with Income Management and • Estate inspections overseeing the day to day work • Housing list applications and enquiries of the Housing Services team. • Neighbour complaints • Tenancy sustainment Gillian is your first point of • Any other non-income, tenancy contact for: related queries • Rent related matters The staff are settling into their new roles • Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and look forward to working with residents • Factoring and continuing to provide a high quality • Rechargeable repairs housing service. NO SMOKING Please note if you are expecting a member of our environment, and can refuse staff out to your property for a visit please refrain to enter your property on this from smoking in your property an hour before ground. they arrive and while they are there. Thank you for your patience and understanding Our staff have a right to work in a smoke free in relation to this issue.

page 14 blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter blairtummock housing association | Spring 2019 newsletter page 15 E-MAIL Would you like to receive future copies of BlairtummockContacting Housing Association Us... Blairtummock News to your email address rather than by post? If so, please forward 45 Boyndie Street, Glasgow, G34 9JL your name and address to enquiries@ blairtummock.org.uk and we will arrange this. Telephone: 0141 773 0202 Email: [email protected] Web: www.blairtummock.org.uk Twitter: @BlairtummockHA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS The Association’s office will be OFFICE OPENING HOURS closed on the following dates: Monday to Wednesday 9am - 5pm, Thursday th 1pm - 5pm, Friday 9am - 3.30pm Friday 19 April 2019 Monday 22nd April 2019 OUT OF HOURS NUMBER – Monday 6th May 2019 Friday 24th May 2019 EMERGENCIES ONLY Monday 27th May 2019 In the event of an emergency only, please contact our out of hours’ contractor, C2C Electrical Services on 07939 392856. Note this service is for Association tenants only, not sharing or factored owners.

If you have any comments to make about Blairtummock Housing Association or any of the services Commentsprovided by the Association please complete this form, cut it outForm and return it to the Association. Name:

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OPENING TIMES: Blairtummock Housing Association is an organisation Mon - Wed 9am - 5pm committed to Equal Opportunities. If you require this Thursday 1pm - 5pm newsletter in a different format, please contact the office Friday 9am - 3.30pm on 0141 773 0202 where our staff will be happy to assist.

Blairtummock Housing Association is a Registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 Reg No. 2354R(S) • Scottish Housing Regulator Reg No. HCB 216 Scottish Charity No. SC036997 • Property Factor Registered Number PF000276 • VAT Number 259 1058 95