Tenant Focus Group meeting 3rd March 2023
It was great to welcome members of our Tenant Focus Group to our offices (and via Zoom) on Friday of last week.
It was great to welcome members of our Tenant Focus Group to our offices (and via Zoom) on Friday of last week, to take part in the fourth and final meeting of the 2022/23 year. A summary of the meeting can be seen below.
If any tenant would like more information on joining our sessions, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please just get in touch and we can add you to our mailing list.
HHA response to local emergencies
The group were keen to hear about the process of Hjaltland supporting vulnerable tenants, especially during exceptional periods of disruption, such as the lengthy power outage in January. The Association can identify tenants through the Housing Management database and did make welfare calls to some of the tenants impacted by the powercuts.
The Association would also receive information and advice from Emergency Planning (Shetland Islands Council). Tenants have also previously been encouraged to sign up to the Priority Services Register with their utility company – this has featured in tenant newsletters.
Supporting tenants in need
The Association has been successful in securing over £53,000 in external funding to support tenants through the current cost of living crisis. This has included payments to help with energy costs, whilst household items such as air fryers, thermal curtains, heavy tog duvets and draft excluders have also been distributed to tenants.
Spring Newsletter content
Estelle summarised the items to be included within the spring newsletter and invited tenants to come forward with any other items they may wish to include.
Rent Consultation Result
The rent consultation opened on Monday 9th January 2023, closing on Friday 3rd February 2023. All tenants signed up to the online portal, ‘My Tenancy’, received an electronic survey (120), with all other tenants receiving a postal survey.
In total, there were 145 returns, a 59% increase on the rent consultation exercise in 2022. The results of the consultation were as follows;
Post | Online | Total | % of total responses | |
Option 1 - Increase rent by an average of 6% | 55 | 22 | 77 | 53% |
Option 2 - Increase rent by an average of 7% | 45 | 13 | 58 | 40% |
No response selected (comments only) | 8 | 2 | 10 | 7% |
Total survey responses received | 108 | 37 | 145 | 100% |
All tenants should now have received their rent notification letter, confirming the management committee voted to implement Option 1 – a 6% increase.
Quarter 3 performance
The performance data in terms of re-lets, repairs, rent arrears and customer satisfaction were all discussed – this data is submitted to the Scottish Housing Network on a quarterly basis. The tenants present were happy with the level of performance, and did not have any areas of performance they wished to scrutinise further.
Business plan repairs target
The Association is working on the 5-year business plan and wanted some feedback on routine maintenance in terms of performance standards. The one area for discussion related to the completion of non-urgent general repairs, which have a 10-day target. Within the Business Plan, the aim is for 95% of all routine repairs to be completed within 10 days. There are a number of reasons why a repair may be late, including access issues, material delay, weather, contractor availability, complex repair. Current performance is at 86% and a proposal to reduce the target to 90% was considered and approved by tenants – further details of late repairs and their reasons to be circulated after the meeting.
Condensation & damp training and interventions
Staff discussed the training and information sessions officers have been attending to ensure adequate support can be made available to tenants. There was a discussion about harnessing a partnership approach, where the Association will investigate if there are any practical interventions that can made, such as the installation of a Drimaster ventilation system, whilst supporting the tenant with any household tips to reduce condensation.
Development updates
An update on the current developments of Scalloway (32), Brae (2), Aith (6), Walls (4) and Staney Hill.
New Supply Shared Equity Scheme
Six of the new units at Upper Scalloway are designated as New Supply Shared Equity, which is a scheme designed to support those on a low to medium income. There has been significant interest, with over 60 applications sent out, and over 40 viewings.
Wider action
The Association is always keen to contribute to communities in a broader way than just providing bricks and mortar. In a similar scheme to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, where under 5s get a free book a month, the Association has entered into a partnership linked to home arts, crafts and activities. Up to 50 boxes will be distributed to selected households with children aged between 7-12, 3 times a year.
The Association is also visiting the Sandwick Junior High School over the next few weeks, to support them in completing mock interviews with employers. This is designed to build confidence and help the students learn about interview techniques and what employers may be looking for when it comes to good interview skills.