PoLHA raises funds for Kinsfolk Carers

Late (or is it very early?) Christmas gift for carers group

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) held a post-Christmas raffle and raised £115 for Kinsfolk Carers.

The organisation, a drop-in centre and support group for kinship carers, is based at Leith Community Centre.

Kinship care is the raising of a child or children by relatives or close family friends because the biological parents are, for whatever reason, unwilling or unable to do so.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: ““Kinsfolk Carers does a fantastic job and is a lifeline for many carers. Being a Leith-based organisation, the same as us, we felt it was appropriate to donate the proceeds of our post-Christmas raffle to them.”

Move to turn empty shops into new homes

Empty shops and properties which are blighting Scotland’s town centres could be transformed into affordable housing thanks to a new £4 million fund.

The Town Centre Empty Homes Fund will provide grant and loan funding to help increase the supply of housing in Scotland’s urban and rural towns.

The Fund, which will open for bids shortly, will offer funding to regenerate both homes which have been lying empty for long periods of time, and to convert empty commercial spaces into residential accommodation. The properties will then be available for affordable rent or sale.

It comes on top of the work of the Shelter Scotland managed Empty Homes Partnership which recently had its funding doubled and received a three year extension, to help bring more private sector empty homes back into use.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced details of the new Fund at the Shelter Scotland Homelessness Conference. She said:

“Making sure everyone has access to affordable homes where they can feel safe and warm, is a priority for the Scottish Government. But it’s not just about building new homes, we need to make better use of our existing housing stock and properties.

“It makes absolutely no sense for us to have more than 30,000 homes lying empty when homelessness still exists in Scotland.

“Empty shops and flats can be an eyesore in our communities, devaluing our properties and even encouraging anti-social behaviour.

“Bringing these empty properties back into use is a cost-effective way of increasing the supply of housing available to families across Scotland and it also aides community regeneration.

“By transforming derelict shops and flats into new homes, we will be able to inject some life back into our town centres and make them attractive places to live and work.”

EDRA meets on Monday

Easter Drylaw Residents Association (EDRA) meets on the first Monday of every month from 7 – 9pm at Drylaw Parish Church, Groathill Road North.

Our next meeting will be held next Monday 2 February – all residents welcome.

For further information contact EDRA secretary Mhairi Curran, email mhairi.curran@hush.ai

Latest stats reveal fewer homeless Scots

Homeless applications down by over a third in five years

Fewer people in Scotland are becoming homeless according to official statistics published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician. Housing Minister Margaret Burgess has welcomed the latest figures.

Scottish councils received around 9,100 applications for homelessness assistance during July to September 2014, three per cent lower than in the same period in 2013.

At 30 September 2014, there were just over 10,300 households in temporary accommodation – this figure was almost unchanged compared to one year earlier.

In addition to the fall in applications, the number assessed as homeless, or likely to become homeless within two months, fell by three per cent to around 7,400.

Where contact was maintained, four out of five individuals assessed as unintentionally homeless went on to secure settled accommodation such as council housing, housing association or private let, as an outcome. This proportion has remained stable for the past seven years.

In recent years, the focus has been on the housing options approach to homelessness prevention by local authorities and their partners.

Councils consider the range of housing options available to ensure the best outcomes for those that approach them for assistance. The Scottish Government supports this process by funding five regional housing options hubs.

Financial support is also provided to third sector organisations working to prevent homelessness, such as the recent awards made under the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme.

Since 2008/9, homeless applications have fallen by 36 per cent.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “These latest statistics, which illustrate the continued falls in homelessness across Scotland, are to be welcomed. It is also encouraging that since 2008/9, homeless applications have fallen by 36 per cent.

“We are working closely with local authorities and their partners to prevent homelessness, increase the number of affordable homes and address the issue of empty homes.

“Councils have been developing services in which staff assist households to consider their range of housing options to address their housing needs in order to help prevent homelessness before it occurs.

“The Scottish Government’s Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme has also allowed third sector organisations, such as Age Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and Shelter Scotland, to develop projects that prevent homelessness.

“We are also investing over £1.7 billion to deliver 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament, working with local authorities to build record numbers of council houses and have abolished the Right to Buy to protect up to 15,500 social homes from sale over the next ten years.”

PoLHA appoints new Director of Finance

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has appointed a new Director of Finance. Heather Kiteley has 20 years of finance experience across not for profit, charitable and commercial organisations.

Having joined from another housing association, Heather (pictured above) will lead the finance team to ensure the Association’s finance functions and services are effectively managed and delivered. She will also provide support to PoLHA’s governing bodies and senior management, ensuring they are provided with relevant and accurate information to support the decision making process in accordance with good practice and the Association’s rules and policies.

Heather said: “I am delighted to have joined PoLHA. I look forward to working with the staff, senior management team and Board to develop and monitor the delivery of strategic and operating plans.”

Heather is a Chartered Management Accountant and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and has an MBA with a specialism in strategic planning. She is also a committee member of the CIMA Edinburgh branch and the CIMA Scotland area.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “I am pleased to welcome Heather to PoLHA. Her knowledge, skills and experience will be of great benefit to the Association.”

New Year, new house? Miller Homes Part X weekend

Thinking about moving house? Miller Homes is to open it’s doors for Part Exchange and Assisted Move events this weekend …

This weekend, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January, Miller Homes is hosting open doors events across selected developments to help advise buyers looking to make the most of Part Exchange and Assisted Move incentives. During the weekend, buyers can also reserve their dream new home for £99.

Miller Homes’ unique Home Exchange is a part exchange scheme where buyers can upsize, downsize or just move into their new home, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

With Home Exchange, Miller Homes carries out independent evaluation of the seller’s property and offer a potential buyer, making the process of securing a new home seamless and hassle free. It also prevents a property chain developing and avoids the risk of home buyers losing the house of their dreams because they can’t find a purchaser in time.

Aimed at providing detailed information and advice to those interested in purchasing using these offers, Miller Homes sales advisors will be on hand to guide potential buyers through the process.

Developments hosting the open house weekend include:

Dalmore Mill, Auchendinny
Ferry Village, Braehead
Fullwood Gardens, New Stevenson
Gala Meadow, Galashiels
Glendevon Gate, Winchburgh
Liberty Park, Bathgate
Manor Wynd, East Kilbride
Newton Park, Cambuslang
Orchardfield, East Linton
Peebles Gait, Peebles
Roselea, Rosewell
Rosemount Meadows, Blairgowrie
St Andrews Brae, Bearsden
Varcity North, Edinburgh
Victoria Mills, Dunfermline

Anne Marie Britton, Scotland Area Sales and Marketing Director at Miller Homes said: “We have a fantastic range of homes for new buyers. Whether you are looking to purchase for the first time, upsize to accommodate a new addition to the family, downsize as the family flees the nest, or simply to move into another exciting new area.

“From one bedroom apartments up to five bedroom luxury quality detached homes, each buyer can be assured that they will receive the quality of craftsmanship synonymous with Miller Homes. All for a reservation fee of £99.

“During the open weekend, our experienced sales advisers, mortgage specialists and financial advisers will be on hand to help new home and first time buyers through the purchasing process and learn of the latest range of incentives available.

“Our quality new homes are also currently available to reserve now under the Help to Buy Scheme (Scotland), for completion in April 2015.”

All appointments are available on a first come first served basis.

Information on open times for each development are available at www.millerhomes.co.uk

Letters: where have all the bathrooms gone?

Dear Editor

In the latest edition of NEN, Edinburgh Council brag about the regeneration of Pennywell/Muirhouse with the building of the new houses, which is good – but as a long-standing tenant I would like to know where the new kitchen and bathrooms for which we have been waiting years have gone?

Thomas Scott (by email)

New Year, new funding to tackle homelessness

Government announces £2.3 million to address housing issues

Organisations which help homeless and vulnerable people find homes and live independently will get a funding boost next year, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess has announced.

More than £2.3 million will be allocated to 32 new and existing projects which make it easier for older and disabled people to live independently, will improve access to housing for homeless people and will support refugee, asylum seekers and new migrant communities.

Projects to benefit from the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme in 2015-16, include Housing Options Scotland which will receive £242,000 to meet increased demand for its advice services for disabled people, older people and veterans.

Shelter Housing Law Service will be awarded £183,868 to provide specialist legal expertise on housing issues while the Scottish Refugee Council has been granted £130,000 for its work helping refugees adapt to life in Scotland.

Mrs Burgess said: “It is heart-breaking that in a country as prosperous as Scotland some people do not have the support they need to help them live as independently as they can and fulfil their potential.

“I am pleased this £2.3 million fund will be split between organisations that are addressing these inequalities, and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“This Government is clear, we want to provide opportunities for people to flourish and we recognise that a lack of suitable housing can be a major barrier preventing them from achieving their full potential.

“Whether it’s through working with the elderly, veterans, young people or asylum seekers, each of these 32 projects is closing this inequality gap, and tackling prejudice and discrimination.”

Moira Bayne, the chief executive officer of Housing Options Scotland welcomed the funding support. She said: “In 2014 Housing Options Scotland was able to help over 400 disabled people, older people and armed forces veterans to find the Right House in the Right Place.

“None of this would have been possible without the financial support of the Scottish Government.

“Thanks to this funding we have been able to help a wide range of people including a visually impaired teenager in the Scottish Borders who has had his family home extended to maximise his independence and a young former RAF officer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who has now returned to live near her son in Morayshire.

“We are absolutely delighted with the funding we have been awarded for 2015. We are mindful of how privileged we are to be offered such support in such difficult times and we look forward to helping many more people in the coming year.”

The Glasgow Simon Community and Positive Steps are two projects that will receive funding for the first time in 2015.

Through £90,975 funding Positive Steps will give training to men who have a history of re-offending and homelessness.

Cathryn Mill, development officer with Positive Steps said:

“Funding through the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme will allow Positive Steps to deliver and implement a significant test of change project.

“Dundee in particular suffers from high levels of reconviction rates that present issues related to homelessness.

“The proposed project will target short term persistent offending and the lack of access to secure accommodation. We will also offer targeted support to address offending behaviours.”

The following Edinburgh-based organisations will receive funding in 2015 -16:

Age Scotland £126,250

To provide information and advice to older people to help them maintain their independence.

Bethany Christian Trust £44,000

Funding for homelessness projects including literacy and numeracy, budgeting support, employment and volunteering, and street work.

CRISIS (project 1) £26,000

The project to help improve access to the Private Rented Sector for homeless people in Scotland.

CRISIS (project 2) £52,943

Tenancy support project which works with people in shared housing.

Housing Support Enabling Unit (HSEU) £120,640

Assisting providers in the voluntary, private and registered social landlord sectors.

Move On Ltd £25,000

Project helping young people at threat of homelessness through peer support.

Housing Options Scotland £242,000

Provides tailored housing advice to disabled people, older people and veterans.

SACRO £49,000

Dealing with neighbourhood conflict and promoting positive community relations.

Scottish Churches Housing Action (1) £57,000

Project supporting a range of services and activities including starter packs and befriending networks.

Scottish Churches Housing Action (2) £9,000

Prison leaver peer support project for HMP Edinburgh. Prisoners will be supported through housing, health, training and employment interviews following release.

Scottish Housing & Support Conference £11,000

Funding for annual conference for service users and providers of housing support services.

Scottish Women’s Aid £67,345

Project focusses on homelessness and prevention of homelessness for women who are victims of domestic abuse.

Homeless Action Scotland £164,000

Facilitates national homelessness networks and National Homelessness and Employability co-ordinator.

Shelter Housing Law Service £183,868

To provide access to specialist legal expertise and representation on housing issues across Scotland

Scottish Social Networks (Rock Trust) £30,721

To support the work of the Housing Option Hubs. In particular by raising awareness of the link between positive social networks and prevention of homelessness.

Venture Trust £60,437

Outward bound courses and wilderness training to improve the confidence of homeless young people to develop their independent living skills.

An Audioboom clip of the Housing Minister can be found here: https://audioboom.com/boos/2745068

New homes in Newhaven

Port of Leith welcomes new homes

The second development built solely for mid market rent (MMR) by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA), and its subsidiary company Persevere Developments Limited (PDL), has welcomed new residents.

Eight households have moved in to a block of new, high-quality properties in Flaxmill Place, Newhaven.

The £956,000 development, compromising two bedroom properties, is part of a larger scheme currently being built by Barratt East Scotland which already accommodates eight flats for social rent for Port of Leith Housing Association.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “High quality, energy efficient and affordable homes is what we passionately believe in and being able to deliver. We are extremely pleased to have completed these homes and welcome eight new households.”

The development was funded by a combination of private finance raised by PoLHA and a Government grant allocated by the City of Edinburgh Council.

PoLHA has built the mid market rent homes on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary company Persevere Developments Ltd (PDL) which was set up in 2011 to enable the Association to offer a wider variety of affordable housing in future.

PoLHA owns over 2700 properties throughout Leith and the wider North Edinburgh area and has plans to deliver 400 more new affordable homes over the next few years through the Association and its subsidiary Persevere Developments Limited.