Glasgow Housing Association has followed Irwell Valley Housing Association’s lead by setting up a tenants’ incentive and reward programme.

Glasgow Gold, which is due for launch next April, could offer discounted utilities and cheap holidays to tenants.

The scheme – outlined in the landlord’s updated 30-year business plan, published last week – will be open to GHA’s 75,000 tenants and 25,000 leaseholders, providing they meet certain standards for rent payment.

Tenants will be able to join if they have paid their rent for six consecutive weeks. If they are in arrears, they must maintain payments for a 12-week period.

A spokesman for GHA said: “We haven’t decided on a specific package but it could include incentives such as cut-price gas and electricity supplies, as well as discount holidays and home makeovers.”

He added: “If tenants are looking to move property, there may be a bonus paid to them if we don’t have to send in redecorating crews.”

GHA recently announced plans to speed up the transfer of ownership of its stock to community-led local housing organisations. The association is inviting bids for all of its stock by the end of next year.

GHA is also now aiming to transfer the majority of its stock by 2007, instead of 2010 as originally envisaged.

Source

Housing Today