Tenants to vote on 16,000 home transfer

Between this year and next GHA will ask tenants if they want the ownership of their homes to transfer to small community-based housing associations.

Earlier this week It signed a joint agreement with the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations – which represents the 20 community-based housing associations involved in the second stage transfer process.

GHA’s plan was revealed in Inside Housing last week after an interview with chief executive Martin Armstrong, his first since taking up the post in December.

Scottish housing and communities minister Alex Neil attended the signing of the second stage transfer concordat.

‘Huge progress has been made since last summer and GHA are to be congratulated on this,’ he said.

‘The organisation has clearly demonstrated a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Offering around 16,000 people in Glasgow a chance to decide on their future paves the way for a new dawn for the city’s tenants.’

GHA was set up in 2003 with the aim of transferring the 81,000 properties it took from Glasgow council to smaller organisations.

It has come under constant criticism for delaying the second stage transfer and last summer a damning report from the Scottish Housing Regulator said the organisation lacked direction.

GHA tenant chair Sandra Forsythe said: ‘We are committed to delivering second stage transfer where it is what tenants want.

‘We have had, in the weeks and months leading up to today, constructive and positive talks with the forum, and each of the community-based housing associations in the SST programme.’

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