Loreburn Housing held its Annual General Meeting on 3rd September, when recently appointed Convener, Alan Sandey, and senior officers provided shareholding members with an insight into the financial performance, operational achievements and future strategic plans.
Kirsteen McGinn, who had recently completed one year in post as Chief Executive, reflected on the highlights of the year and praised the dedication of the Management Committee and staff teams and the culture within the organisation, particularly the commitment to tenants.
A number of notable achievements included innovative ‘retrofitting’ of homes to improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs for tenants, a long term strategic partnership to deliver future energy improvements, and the completion of 44 new homes in the region. A partnership with the NHS would also deliver a community hub in the west of the region, integrating housing, health and social care services.
The financial environment continued to be difficult, with rising energy costs, high interest rates and the lack of positive impact from falling inflation. Central government announced a housing emergency and alongside cuts in funding, there remained much uncertainty.
Loreburn confirmed that funding was in place to complete its identified capital projects for improvements to homes. Investment this year had been increased to £6.9 million, up from last year’s £5.1million, reflecting tenants’ views that greater investment was a high priority.
Performance in several areas had been strong, including emergency repairs, repairs completed on the first visit and the average relet time of 11 days against the sector average of 56 days. There was acknowledgement of decreased tenant satisfaction in some areas which the Association was addressing with targeted plans for enhanced service delivery and a strengthened Tenant Scrutiny Group. Future priorities included the expansion of technology to improve tenants’ service experience and reviews in key areas such as rent restructuring, tenant engagement and environmental strategies would also respond to tenant feedback.
Mr Sandey highlighted Loreburn’s continued commitment to do what matters most to tenants while maintaining its financial health. He thanked outgoing Committee Members for their invaluable contributions to the organisation.
