Tenants’ issues put under the spotlight

COUNCIL tenants are being invited to a yearly conference which looks at the issues affecting them.

The tenant conference – which takes place at Airdrie Academy on Saturday, November 10 from 9 a.m. to
1 p.m. – is open to any council tenant and representatives from tenants and residents groups.

This year’s theme ‘Taking Stock – Challenges and Opportunities’ puts welfare reform and its challenges under the spotlight.

Workshops taking place include a modernised repairs service; tackling antisocial behaviour; housing for older people and welfare reform changes and how they will affect you.

Councillor Sam Love, convener of housing and social work services, said: “I’m told the popularity of our tenant conference continues to grow year on year and I’m really keen to be part of this.

“It’s important we hear from the people who use and are affected by the services we deliver and this conference provides an ideal platform for that.

“We listen to our tenants and are always keen for them to play a key role in shaping housing services. I hope many of them will take the opportunity to come along and be part of another successful conference.”

Tenants can visit stalls at the event and will be able to speak to representatives from organisations including

Shotts Healthy Living Centre; Strathclyde Police; Monklands Woman’s Aid; Age Concern/Help the Aged Scotland; Financial Inclusion and North Lanarkshire Federation of Tenants and Residents Association.

Mary Castles, executive director of housing and social work services, added: “One of the main topics at the conference this year is the welfare reform changes and the financial challenges being experienced by everyone. It’s important we update tenants on what changes are taking place and the impact these may have on them. Information and advice will be available and staff on hand to answer any questions people might have.

“It has been a successful year for housing services and I’m looking forward to updating tenants on our progress in areas including our new build homes and our repairs service and keen to tell them about our future plans on the issues that affect them.”

Book your place by calling housing’s development team on 01698 274139, and they can offer assistance with travel and childcare.