Tenant Focus Group meeting 14th September 2023

We are indebted to the tenants who give up their spare time to help scrutinise the work we are doing – taking place over a working lunch (food and refreshments provided), we cover a variety of topics and are always keen to hear from anyone interested in joining us.

Annual report & Tenant survey

The final version of the annual report was presented, along with a request for feedback on a tenant survey which will be posted out as an attachment. The survey will seek views on the content and lay-out of the report, whilst also collating important information on the cost-of-living crisis. Officers confirmed the Association has been successful in receiving a grant award of £30,000, from the Community Local Led Development scheme administered by Shetland Islands Council. This will support families who are struggling in the current economic climate. The findings of the survey will also help build a picture on areas of support for any future funding bids.

Performance data 2022/23 – National comparison

The Scottish Housing Regulator has published the full set of performance data for the 2022/23 year. The Association’s data was considered, alongside a peer group and the national average – this information is included in the Annual Report and can be accessed - https://www.housingregulator.gov.scot/landlord-performance/landlords/hjaltland-housing-association-ltd

Quarter One performance 2023/24

A summary of the quarter one statistics, April to June, were presented. There were 19 allocations completed in the first quarter, with an average re-let time of 5.47 days, which compares well against the Business Plan target of 7 days. Of these, 9 properties were offered to SIC as a nomination, 6 of which saw the permanent re-housing of applicants in temporary accommodation. The routine repairs team continued to deliver a reactive service, with the average time to complete each repair category coming within the Business Plan targets. There were 7 complaints received, all of which were responded to and concluded within the 5 day target for a stage one complaint.

Policy reviews completed and due for adoption by Management Committee

Members of the Tenant Focus Group were previously sent the following policies via email;

• Child Protection & Vulnerable Adult Policy
• Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Policy
• Allocations Policy

The updated policies will be presented to the Management Committee for adoption.

Autumn Newsletter content

The autumn newsletter will be uploaded to the ‘My Tenancy’ portal and sent out along with the Annual Report. There are a number of areas that will be covered in the next edition, including;

• Visit by the Housing Minister, Paul McLennan
• Household budgeting
• Heating & Ventilation as we approach winter
• Cuckooing
• New Housing Developments

Development updates

The 32 new properties at Berryview, Scalloway are all now fully occupied – we experienced unprecedented interest from applicants – an indication of both the level of demand for affordable accommodation, and also the quality of product being offered by HHA. The Association was delighted to welcome Paul McLennan, the Housing Minister, to complete the ceremonial opening.

• Brae – the 2 family-sized properties should be ready for allocation towards the end of 2023
• Aith – an additional 6 homes to the Marthastoon scheme, these properties will be ready for allocation towards the end of 2023
• Upper Scalloway – an additional 8 units at Berryview will be ready at the start of 2024, four of which will offer families an opportunity to purchase a discounted home under the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme.
• Walls – Construction on the four new properties in Walls is due to commence in the Autumn of this year

Website review

Members of the Focus Group are being asked to critique the Association’s website to review how user-friendly it is, and to see if there are improvements that can be made. A task-list has been circulated to locate 10 pieces of information and then to rank how easy it was to find. This will then help form a larger review in terms of how information is presented.