This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Glasgow's housing stock
06/03/2006
A new group to track progress in delivering the second phase of transferring Glasgow's housing stock held its first meeting today.
Chaired by Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont, it comprises leaders of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), Glasgow City Council (GCC) and local housing organisations including tenants' representation.
Ms Lamont said:
"I am very pleased that the group is now up and running. This is about helping to speed up the process towards community ownership.
"Tenants voted for investment, local management and ownership at transfer. These commitments to tenants in Glasgow need to be seen to be delivered quickly as possible.
"Both GHA and the City Council share this commitment. Since the vote, GHA has made huge improvements to the quality of people's homes.
"It has also consulted local housing organisations on moving to second stage transfer. I have now seen the results which show a great appetite by the LHOs to go ahead.
"There are complex issues to be resolved. Now is the time to bring together top leadership from all the organisations involved. That is what this group will do.
"I am pleased that it has strong representation from the LHO network across the city. The group will support GHA in delivering second stage transfer, provide a forum for discussion of any problems and make sure we get everything right. That way we can deliver what we all want - community ownership as quickly as possible."
Tenant member of the group, Flora Muirhead, of Cairnbrook Local Housing Organisation said: "I welcome the opportunity to be part of the group and help in moving second stage transfer forward."
Sandra Forsythe, tenant chair of GHA, said:
"The issues around Community Ownership are vitally important and affect everyone in the city. This progress group should give all key partners the opportunity to understand the issues involved and work with GHA to deliver Community Ownership for all the tenants in Glasgow."
Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said:
"There was clear commitment made to tenants to allow them greater control of their own housing. This pledge must be delivered as soon as possible and this group should help ensure this happens."
Glasgow City Council tenants voted to transfer to a new body, Glasgow Housing Association in 2002, with a commitment to go to second stage transfer to full community ownership later on.
The full membership of the group is:
- Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont (chairperson)
- GHA - Sandra Forsythe, Chief Executive Michael Lennon with officer support
- GCC - Councillor Steven Purcell with officer support
- Bill McFadyen - Chair of Great Western Tenants Partnership
- Willie McIntosh - Castlemilk Tenants Partnership
- Mick McCabe - New Shaws Housing Organisation
- Robert Addison - Tenant Controlled Housing