Minutes for Central Scotland Regional Network 4
Held on 12/12/2019
InAtlantic Quay, 150, Broomielaw, Glasgow
Present:
Hugh McClung MBE |
HMc |
Stirling Tenants Assembly |
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Philomena McClung |
PMc |
Stirling Tenants Assembly |
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Peter Winnie |
PW |
Coatbridge Federation of T&R |
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John Duffy |
JD |
Shotts TARA |
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Geoff Morgan |
GM |
BACCRA |
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Georgia McCambley |
GMc |
West Dunbartonshire |
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Frances McGonagle |
FMc |
West Dunbartonshire |
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Allan Todd |
AT |
East Dunbartonshire TSG |
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Shona Gorman |
SG |
Link TSP |
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Mary Niven |
MN |
Trust Customer Panel |
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In Attendance:
Susan McLellan |
SMc |
Scottish Government |
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Islay McLauchlan |
IMc |
Scottish Government |
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Apologies:
Lindsay Anderson |
Link Housing Association |
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June Anderson |
Clackmannanshire T&R Fed. |
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Susan Robertson |
Clackmannanshire T&R Fed |
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Jeanette Arneil |
Clydsdale HA Tenants & Residents |
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George McGuinness MBE |
Baillieston Tenants & Residents |
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Item |
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Action |
1 |
Hugh welcomed everyone and introduced Islay McLauchlan the new Government TP member of staff. Network members then introduced themselves to Islay.
Apologies were then recorded for Lindsay, June, Susan, Jeanette and George.
An updated members contact list was provided by SMc.
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2 |
The Minutes of the last Meeting Held on 17th October
The Minutes were approved, proposed by PMc and seconded by MN |
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3 |
Correspondence
Susan advised members had been invited to participate in consultation on Housing to 2040. Members can make individual representation, but as a Network we can also participate, HMc was keen we do this and members agreed. With help from TIS/TPAS this will be completed at the Meeting of 6th February 2020. There are also events being held in February which members are welcome to attend.
There is also an online survey being undertaken by Age Scotland around housing 2020-40, to which members are invited to complete.
The SHR has produced a “How we regulate” guide for tenants and service users. Videos are also available.
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4 |
Work Plan/Communication Strategy
HMc asked that looking at Housing 2020-2040 be added. |
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5 |
Treasurer’s Report
There are still problems with the Bank account. Transfer of signatories remains uncompleted. HMc proposed intervention by Govt. staff, but since GM is still in talks with Bank staff it was agreed to wait 7 days and see what the position was then. If no solution by then contact was to be made with Govt. TP staff.
The balance was recorded at £2103.75 + £70 Petty Cash. It was agreed to arrange a Cheque for Cash to be made out to Treasurer to facilitate expense claims. .
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6 |
Working Groups Updates
The HRA report.
This report is now with the Minister, and he’s writing to officials of COSLA to ask them to remind LA/s of their obligations. JD reported on Shotts survey of their landlords HRA, that positive help and co-operation was being provided. West Dunbartonshire came runner-up in TPAS scrutiny award for their work in the area of HRA. It was reported that Falkirk has a different method of working, but is it working?
Some authorities are not fulfilling their obligations in this regard, and sometimes staff changes to not help, much more work needs to be done by some LA/s. The question of surplus was mentioned, how much should be sitting, while Rents continue to rise?
Chair has asked that LA tenants watch developments, or lack of, in this area.
JHPDG
A meeting had been arranged for 4th December but since this clashed with the TPAS conference no network members were able to attend. Terry Kirby has resigned, also Ian Robertson, so places are available Lindsay Anderson has already expressed interest. An outline of the Group’s purpose has been given to members. Allan Todd expressed his interest.
SHR
Attendees will provide an written update for February Meeting.
Fire and Safety
There has been a launch of a leaflet on new safety processes for high rise buildings following the consultation, but PW did not receive an invitation to this event. Govt TP will look into this.
Chairs and Secretaries Meeting
Matters discussed at the last Meeting included: Audit Scotland Meetings Rent Accountability - Housing affordability Housing and Social Security The Housing and Social Services Group are looking for membership, John Duffy expressed interest.
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The Annual Network Event
The event took place in November and sadly members felt that they were badly let down by the Venue and the Catering fell far short of the standard expected. However the content of the day went down well and everyone thought it was a success.
Some topics touched on included: Rent affordability Landlord performance/governance Housing 2020-40, what does it look like, what should it look like infrastructure provision around new housing developments Rapid re-housing ? a plaster to cover a long term problem? and is the budget enough?
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7 |
AOCB
A date was set for the AGM, it will be held on 23rd May 2020, in the Wheatley Academy, Glasgow. Registration will be at 10.30am, SMc will ask GMcG to contact Wheatley to book.
The Meeting was closed
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Forward Meeting Planner
6th February 2020
2nd April 2020