Category: Latest News

Shire’s recent participation in the Energy Redress Scheme has helped 73 of our tenants get a share of over £2,000 of fuel support funding from the Scotland Social Housing Fuel Support funding. 

Diane Balfour and Leanne Morrison of Shire’s Financial Inclusion Team are delighted to have been able to help tenants with some much needed financial support with their fuel costs, especially with so many of us being at home more often due to Covid restrictions. 

The Scottish Social Housing Fuel Support fund is part of the Energy Redress Scheme that was launched in 2018.  The Energy Saving Trust has awarded over £26 million to fund over 150 charities across England, Scotland and Wales. These grants have enabled charities to deliver projects that help energy consumers in vulnerable situations to save energy and money in their homes and to live warmer, more comfortable lives.   

This scheme is now closed but Shire continues to seek opportunities like this to support our communities.  We are here to help, so do get in touch if you need any financial help and support. 

 

CSE Press Release 25.5.21

 

 

Resuming Home Visits at Covid Level 2

Following Scottish Government guidance, Shire’s offices continue to remain closed to the public. We are keeping this decision under review and will update our customers of any changes.

Our repair service is slowly returning to normal and we will be starting to reintroduce some home visits for our Customer Service Team.

Any home visits will continue to be an exception as protecting our staff, customers and communities remains our top priority.

Prior to any visit to your home our Officers shall ask you to support them by taking the following precautions:

1. We’ll ask you a number of Covid screening questions when arranging the visit and again on your doorstep. If there is any doubt on the questions, we are happy to rearrange the visit.
2. We’ll ask you to make sure that the visit is on a one-to-one basis and any other family members stay out of the room where the visit is taking place.
3. We’ll ask you to open windows for ventilation, wear a mask and maintain social distancing during the visit.
4. Our Officer will wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and use hand sanitisers before and after your visit.

Shire are still here to help and thank all our customers for their support. You can continue to contact us by telephone, email and letter.

C19 Home Visit briefing for Customers 2.6.21

 

 

Shire Housing Association are delighted to announce that Turner Property Services Ltd have secured a new contract for the provision of our reactive and void repairs service.

The new contract, which is for an initial period of 3 years, commenced from April 2021.

Turner Property Services Ltd have been providing Shire with an interim reactive and void repairs’ service since July 2020.

By working collaboratively, Shire and Turner Property Services Ltd will seek to deliver a high-quality reactive and void repairs’ service which will include routine and emergency repairs for all properties as well as an emergency out of hours service.

Mark Scott, Asset Manager at Shire Housing, said: “We look forward to working in partnership with Turner Property Services, to deliver a reliable repairs service that our tenants and stakeholders can be proud of”.

David Black, Head of Operations and Commercial at Turner Services added: “Turner Services are proud to secure this new contract with Shire Housing Association for their reactive maintenance and void refurbishment services.  We will build on our existing experience of delivering quality void refurbishment services for SHA and strengthen the client relationships already established.  Customers will be at the heart of our services with all our efforts focused on delivering a positive repair journey, introducing a range of social value initiatives, and meeting the agreed performance targets.”

Our Non-Essential Repairs Service 

From Monday 26 April 2021 our non – essential repairs service will resume. From this date, the Association will work through the backlog of repairs that has been created throughout the lockdown period on a priority led basis. We would appreciate your patience whilst this work is being completed.

 

SHIRE HOUSING ASSOCIATION ACHIEVES INVESTORS IN PEOPLE GOLD ACCREDITATION

Shire Housing Association has recently achieved the prestigious Investors in People Gold Accreditation.

For nearly 30 years Investors in People has been recognised internationally as a leading people accreditation. Shire achieving this award is a terrific achievement, demonstrating its commitment to its people.

Commenting on the award, Lorne Campbell, Chair said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Shire and confirms our efforts towards our Business Vision of Great Homes, Great People, Vibrant Communities”.

Bonnie Clarke, Interim Chief Executive of Remarkable, the organisation licensed to deliver Investors in People in Scotland, said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Shire Housing Association, congratulations! Investors in People recognises organisations who are truly committed to their people, continuous improvement, and customer service. We have supported Shire since 2000 and we are delighted to see their ongoing dedication recognised with this Gold award. Many congratulations!”

Shire Housing Association provides high quality homes across 15 communities in East Ayrshire.  They operate as a community anchor organisation helping support and sustain communities.

 

Shire Housing Association are excited to launch their new and ambitious Business Strategy for the next five years.  The plan builds on the previous period of consolidation and focuses on empowering communities, enhancing social, economic and health wellbeing and addressing climate change.

Shire Chair, Lorne Campbell says “Our new Strategic Objectives advance our well recognised Business Vision of Great Homes, Great People, Vibrant Communities”.

The staff team and Board worked together to further refine The Values so that they encapsulate everything that is important to Shire.

Shire has been at the heart of its East Ayrshire communities during the pandemic, distributing £100,000 in resilience and recovery grant funding.

A copy of our Strategy can be found here

 

RENT CONSULTATION

Our rent consultation for 2021/22 is now live.  This is an opportunity for tenants to influence both their rent for the year ahead and the services we offer.

Packs have been posted to all tenants to read at home but you can also read the pack here.

You can give us your views by phoning the office on 01290 421130, emailing info@shirehousing.com or by completing the survey at https://tinyurl.com/y3vjtjwj

All tenants who include their contact details will be entered into a draw to win a £50 shopping voucher.

Rent Consultation Booklet 2021

From 6pm this evening, East Ayrshire Council area will be in Level 4 Coronavirus Restrictions.

Details of the Scottish Government guidance can be found here (opens link in new tab)

Our office remains closed to the public, but staff can be contacted during normal office hours either by phone 01290 421130 or email – info@shirehousing.com
During the level 4 restrictions, only emergency or essential repairs will be carried out on occupied properties. Please continue to report non-emergency repairs and these will be recorded and completed when it is safe to do so.

External works will continue, but internal kitchen and window replacements will be suspended during this time.
We will continue to make empty properties ready for new tenants and will be able to allocate properties during this time.
Please continue to pay your rent as normal. If your circumstances have changed and you need assistance, including advice on benefits, please telephone the office and discuss with a member of staff.

Further updates will be provided via our website and social media.

For information

Scottish Government Letter to Social Housing Tenants

7 July 2020 Letter to social housing tenants from Minister for Local Government Housing and Planning (002)