Updates

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  GIN Admin Port Glasgow firms support Inverclyde Foodbank
  
  In light of the current coronavirus crisis, Port Glasgow-based firms McLaren Packaging and Interlok Divisions have engaged to help Inverclyde Foodbank provide essential services to the most vulnerable...  morePort Glasgow firms support Inverclyde Foodbank
  
  In light of the current coronavirus crisis, Port Glasgow-based firms McLaren Packaging and Interlok Divisions have engaged to help Inverclyde Foodbank provide essential services to the most vulnerable people in the area.
  
  Both companies have been matching employee donations and ensuring that Inverclyde Foodbank receive a minimum of £1,000 per week with a total commitment of at least £12,000.
  
  In addition, the firms have been releasing employees to help the running of the foodbank during company time at full pay on Monday, Wednesday or Friday afternoons until the lockdown is lifted.
  
  The firms’ management and staff have been supporting the foodbank since early April by making much needed financial donations and providing staff to work at the foodbank.
  
  Donald McLaren, managing director of McLaren Packaging, said: “As a family firm with long-established roots in the local community, we recognised the need to do what we could to help in a meaningful...    less

  

  • 3 hours ago
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  GIN Admin Hillcrest celebrates Investors in People gold reaccreditation
  
  Hillcrest has been re-awarded gold accreditation against the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) standard for the third time, placing the organisation amongst the best companies to work for...  moreHillcrest celebrates Investors in People gold reaccreditation
  
  Hillcrest has been re-awarded gold accreditation against the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) standard for the third time, placing the organisation amongst the best companies to work for in the UK.
  
  Hillcrest also once again achieved silver level of Investors in Young People (IIYP) for their commitment to the training and development of young people, and received an additional accreditation for Health and Wellbeing.
  
  Lesley Don, Hillcrest’s director of corporate services, said: “Our staff are the most valuable part of Hillcrest so the gold reaccreditation is a real testament to the hard work and dedication our teams demonstrate on a daily basis.
  
  “When being measured against each of the frameworks, significant improvement has been made since our previous assessment in 2017 which is delightful to see.
  
  “Feedback from staff is vital to not only help us continue to perform at a high level, but to strive for continuous improvement...    less

  

  • Apr 29
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  GIN Admin Sinclair Watt Architects has resubmitted plans lodged in 2017 to demolish the former Fife Council offices in Rosyth in order to build 23 flats
  
  Located at Park Road, roughly three miles south of Dunfermline town centre, the development will require the...  moreSinclair Watt Architects has resubmitted plans lodged in 2017 to demolish the former Fife Council offices in Rosyth in order to build 23 flats
  
  Located at Park Road, roughly three miles south of Dunfermline town centre, the development will require the demolition of the 656 sq/m office building, vacated in a council drive to consolidate services.
  
  The 0.6-acre site will instead be put toward residential use, helping to meet the growing demand for affordable accommodation in the area.
  
  The non-material variation on behalf of the applicant ED Consilium constitutes a net loss of one home to meet the requirements of Kingdom Housing Association, Urban Realm reports.
  
  Kingdom Housing Association is currently building 189 new homes at a nearby development in Inverkeithing.
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  • Apr 16
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  GIN Admin Experts warn Scottish GDP could contract by 25% if lockdown lasts for three months
  
  Scotland’s GDP could contract by around 20-25% if the government-imposed coronavirus restrictions remain in place for three months, the University of Strathclyde’s...  moreExperts warn Scottish GDP could contract by 25% if lockdown lasts for three months
  
  Scotland’s GDP could contract by around 20-25% if the government-imposed coronavirus restrictions remain in place for three months, the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute has warned.
  
  As Scotland settles into its third week of lockdown measures, the Institute has tried to quantify the potential impact of the restrictions on the country’s economy.
  
  Severe changes are expected in terms of non-manufacturing production such as mining and quarrying, electricity and gas supply and water and waste.
  
  Electricity and gas supply has seen a decline in demand of roughly 10% in the last few weeks, as reduced industrial demand more than offsets increased domestic demand as people stay at home.
  
  Water and sewerage – measured by water supply – should see similar impacts to other utilities. In addition, the Insitute said it is clear that there is a suppression in demand for waste services, as recycling...    less

  

  • Apr 9
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  GIN Admin wrote a new blog entry:

  

  Coronavirus delays roll-out of devolved benefits

  Devolved benefits due to be rolled-out later this year have been delayed due to the impact of coronavirus on Scotland’s social security services.
  In an update to the Scottish Parliament yesterday, social security secretary Shirley Anne Somervi...

  • ##crona

  • Apr 7
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  GIN Admin Prof David Robinson: What staying at home can teach us about the housing experiences of many older people
  
  In the first of a series of outputs exploring the key issues raised by the coronavirus pandemic, Prof David Robinson considers whether the social...  moreProf David Robinson: What staying at home can teach us about the housing experiences of many older people
  
  In the first of a series of outputs exploring the key issues raised by the coronavirus pandemic, Prof David Robinson considers whether the social and economic constraints imposed by the ‘lockdown’ might make us all feel a little more empathy for those older people (and other fellow citizens) for whom being confined at home alone is the norm.
  
  The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic is holding a mirror up to society and forcing us to confront some harsh realities. Increasing uncertainty in the world of work and the insecurities of the housing system are being laid bare for all to see. Stories of hardship that usually remain hidden and neglected are being exposed by sheer weight of numbers. Situations that provoke little more than a collective shrug of the shoulders in normal times – the fact that more than one in five million workers are in insecure work and could lose their job suddenly or that...    less

  

  • Apr 1
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  GIN Admin wrote a new blog entry:

  

  Chris Hancock: Launching the Crisis emergency grants fund

  As Crisis officially launches an emergency grants fund for local homelessness charities today, the charity’s head of best practice Chris Hancock explains more.
   
  The homelessness and housing sectors currently face a huge and unprece...

  • #Chris Hancock

  • Mar 31
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  GIN Admin University plans to demolish historic Dundee tenement buildings
  
  Unlisted tenement buildings deemed too expensive to maintain could soon be demolished to make way for temporary soft landscaping under plans submitted by the University of...  moreUniversity plans to demolish historic Dundee tenement buildings
  
  Unlisted tenement buildings deemed too expensive to maintain could soon be demolished to make way for temporary soft landscaping under plans submitted by the University of Dundee.
  
  The four-storey block at 16-18 Airlie Place, which sits within the city campus conservation area, was previously used as student accommodation but has been vacant since 2007.
  
  Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said the tenement, built in the 1870s, makes a “strong positive contribution” to the character of the conservation area.
  
  It also said attempts should be made to repurpose the units and raised concerns the demolition could impact on the character of B-listed 14 Airlie Place.
  
  However, the University said the properties have deteriorated to such an extent that an estimated £400k would be needed to repair the façade and roof, with a full refurbishment set to cost between £2-3 million.
  
  The planning application also states the building has some...    less

  

  • Mar 31
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  GIN Admin Cairn and Pentland pause partnership discussions
  
  Partnership discussions that would have seen Pentland Housing Association homes and services transferring to Cairn Housing Association have been put on...  moreCairn and Pentland pause partnership discussions
  
  Partnership discussions that would have seen Pentland Housing Association homes and services transferring to Cairn Housing Association have been put on hold.
  
  Pentland decided to transfer to Cairn last year following a strategic review.
  
  Tenants, staff and board members were all involved in the review which was set up to plan for the future of the Association and how it provides homes and services to tenants and other customers.
  
  However, given the ongoing coronavirus outbreak the organisations have paused the discussions to focus on the crisis at hand.
  
  Cairn said in a statement: “At a time when social housing providers are responding to the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of both organisations must be on ensuring essential services are provided to tenants and other customers.
  
  “Cairn and Pentland hope to resume discussions, and continue to assess the potential business case in the best interests of tenants, later in 2020.”  less

  • Mar 23
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  GIN Admin Redpath awarded role on Canongate housing energy efficiency project
  
  Redpath Construction has started work on a project to improve the energy efficiency of the Canongate housing development in...  moreRedpath awarded role on Canongate housing energy efficiency project
  
  Redpath Construction has started work on a project to improve the energy efficiency of the Canongate housing development in Edinburgh.
  
  
  The company is working with Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, John Gilbert Architects and NBM Construction Cost Consultants as part of the Canongate Housing Energy Efficiency Project.
  The post-war B-listed building designed by Sir Basil Spence occupies a historically sensitive location in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
  The work involves a range of restoration and energy efficient conservation measures, including full insulation throughout the 14 properties and two commercial units, external stone repairs, new timber windows to match original design and installation of a new ventilation system.
  Redpath is also working with Southside Housing Association to deliver a similar restoration and energy efficiency project in Glasgow with both projects running concurrently.  less

  

  • Mar 21
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  GIN Admin Sally Thomas: Together, as a sector, we will get through these challenging times
  
  SFHA chief executive Sally Thomas has written the following message outlining the organisation’s latest coronavirus response...  moreSally Thomas: Together, as a sector, we will get through these challenging times
  
  SFHA chief executive Sally Thomas has written the following message outlining the organisation’s latest coronavirus response plan.
  
  Since last week, developments regarding the coronavirus outbreak have escalated significantly. There is no question that these are challenging and unprecedented times, but SFHA will support you, our members, through them, and, in turn, your tenants
  
  Staff, working in housing associations and co-operatives across Scotland, are working round the clock, determined to provide essential, and often lifesaving services, to their tenants – and we will do everything in our power to help you continue to do this.
  
  We are having daily discussions with politicians and leaders at the highest levels in government on the major issues of eviction, rent, and protecting our social housing businesses as well as with UK finance, the Scottish Housing Regulator (as well as other regulators) and, of course,...    less

  

  • Mar 20
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  GIN Admin Thousands call for emergency protections for tenants during pandemic
  
  A petition calling on the Scottish Government to take emergency measures to protect tenants from coronavirus has attracted thousands of...  moreThousands call for emergency protections for tenants during pandemic
  
  A petition calling on the Scottish Government to take emergency measures to protect tenants from coronavirus has attracted thousands of signatures.
  
  Launched by tenants’ union Living Rent, the petition calls for a temporary ban on all evictions and for tenants affected by the virus to be granted ‘rent holidays’.
  
  The petition argues that, for tenants, the coronavirus pandemic is not just a health concern, but a financial one too. The union say that many tenants are in the kind of precarious, low-paid work where taking time off to self-isolate is near impossible, and that “tenants need to know that they won’t face destitution for doing the responsible thing”.
  
  The petition follows similar measures announced by the chancellor earlier this week for homeowners. In a number of cities, such as New York, emergency bills have suspended all eviction proceedings.
  
  Living Rent is urging the Scottish Government to guarantee those...    less

  

  • Mar 18
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  GIN Admin replied to a topic in the forum News and Announcements:

  okay i am checking 

  • Mar 17
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  GIN Admin posted a topic in the forum News and Announcements:

  Hey, i have some problem in survey anyone can help me ?

  Hey, I am not able to attend the survey.

  • Mar 17
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  GIN Admin Kevin Stewart: Covid-19 and those experiencing homelessness
  
  Housing minister Kevin Stewart details his meeting with public health minister Joe FitzPatrick to discuss Covid-19 and how it will impact those who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing...  moreKevin Stewart: Covid-19 and those experiencing homelessness
  
  Housing minister Kevin Stewart details his meeting with public health minister Joe FitzPatrick to discuss Covid-19 and how it will impact those who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
  
  Last week I was joined by public health minister Joe FitzPatrick at a meeting of the Homelessness Prevention and Strategy Group, which is tasked with taking forward the Scottish Government’s Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan.
  
  Our main focus at the meeting was Covid-19 and how it will impact those who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including anyone who is rough sleeping.
  
  During this time we must ensure that everyone, and in particular those with multiple, complex needs – such as mental health issues, or drug and alcohol addiction – are looked after.
  
  Across Scotland, local authorities and Health and Social Care Partnerships are working closely with their local frontline partners to regularly...    less

  

  • Mar 17