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Improving Social Housing
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Summary
Port Glasgow Housing Association has merged with the Link Group. Link offers a range of services to 9000 families and individuals in Scotland's central belt and is a registered social landlord. We hear from former Port Glasgow Housing Association chairman Jim Lennon about why they decided to go ahead with the move.
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Transcript
Announcer:
This broadcast is being brought to you by SE Broadcasts, a Cable Works enterprise.
Man 1:
Port Glasgow Housing Association has merged with The Link Group. Link offers a range of services to 9,000 families and individuals in Scotland's Central Belt and is a registered social landlord.
We hear from former Port Glasgow Housing Association chairman, Jim Lennon, about why they decided to go ahead with the move.
Jim Lennon:
Jim Lennon, former chair of Port Glasgow Housing Association.
Man 1:
Jim, I suppose it is a day of mixed emotions for you, but you're confident this is the right move for Port Glasgow Housing Association?
Jim:
Yes, definitely. It is a right move, not for Port Glasgow Housing Association but for the tenants of Port Glasgow Housing Association. That's the priority one - the tenants.
Man 1:
Because they're the people who should always come first.
Jim:
Oh yes.
Man 1:
What sort of benefits, or what did you have in mind when the move came through? What sort of benefits do you hope the tenants will get?
Jim:
Better houses. Upgraded houses to standard by 2012. We couldn't do it because of [0:59 inaudible] but with them we can get them all quicker.
Man 1:
Were they all behind the move when they took what was a big swing in favor?
Jim:
It wasn't unanimous with the committee. We had three councillors on it and one of the councillors wasn't very happy at the start. He wanted local representation of the Housing Association, but after discussions, he was all for it.
Man 1:
I suppose change is a difficult thing to get your head around sometimes, particularly if something's been done the way it has for a while but you know that in the long run it will be a better future for the tenants.
Jim:
In the long run, it should be the best we can expect recently. Both have been large organizations. We don't see any problems arising. The rents are 1% per annum, sorry not 1% - inflation, so that is keeping them happy.
Man 1:
Excellent.
Jim:
They know what they're going to pay.
Man 1:
Like you say, you're maybe sad for you to see it going but in a way you're happy because the best thing is going to come out.
Jim:
Very sad yes. Very sad to see it happen after nearly six years as a chair. But then it's not about us, it's about the tenants.
Man 1:
The progress.
Jim:
The best thing for the tenants is the change to Link, and they're going to have a better outlook. Not just the houses, but surrounding areas.
Announcer:
This broadcast has been brought to you by SE Broadcasts, a Cable Works enterprise.
[Audio ends]
Podcast kindly provided by Social Enterprise Podcasts