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			<title><![CDATA[Housing Scotland Today]]></title>
			<description>Latest News &amp; Jobs From Scotland's Housing Sector</description>
			<link>http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/</link>

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				<title><![CDATA[Plans to Improve Private Rented Housing]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Plans to improve the standard of private rented housing in Scotland were unveiled today.The Scottish Government is consulting about the proposed Private Housing (Scotland) Bill. Views are being sought about the private rented sector, licensing of mobile homes and twenty year residential lease and standard security rules. Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil."This Government is committed to encouraging a thriving private rented sector, which provides good quality and well managed accommodation."Although the private rented sector makes up a small proportion of all housing in Scotland, it is an important part of the market. "In some areas private renting provides a significant amount of permanent housing, elsewhere it is a vital short-term solution for people at various stages in their lives. "This Bill proposes changes that will lead to landlords and tenants having a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities. It aims to improve standards and crucially, deliver a better deal for tenants and landlords."Professor Douglas Robertson, Chair of the Private Rented Sector Strategy Group said:"These proposals, drawing on a comprehensive review of the private rented sector - the largest of its kind ever undertaken in Scotland - and discussed at length by the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group, will help in creating better informed consumers and providers.&nbsp; "This is seen to be the best means to ensure a better functioning rental market, where everyone knows their rights and expectations. "Supporting this ambition the proposed reforms focus on further refining the landlord registration system, refining the licensing of homes in multiple occupancy, tackling specific overcrowding issues and making improvements to the existing tenancy regime.&nbsp; "Having a better functioning market for rented housing in a laudable ambition, given the key role this sector plays, at different points, in the lives of Scottish people."The consultation document is available by clicking:
Click HereThe Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group was set up in September 2009 from the membership of the existing Safeguarding Tenancy Deposits Working Group.The group advised the Scottish Government on how it could support tenants, landlords and others to grow a professional, high quality private rented sector equipped to provide sustainable housing solutions for Scotland in the 21st century.A list of the group's members is available:Click Here]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/plans-to-improve-private-rented-housing-4405]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Housing Tops the Bill at Liberal Democrat Conference]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Housing was one of the key themes at this year's Scottish Liberal Democrat conference in Perth, as UK leader Nick Clegg and Scottish leader Tavish Scott both committed the Lib Dems to building more affordable homes.At the event in Perth Concert Hall this weekend, the party's last big conference before the forthcoming UK general election, Shetland MSP Tavish Scott said a Liberal Democrats government would provide 25,000 new affordable homes for Scotland.The SFHA, which had a stall at the conference, spoke to over 80 delegates, including numerous MSPs and MPs, councillors, and the Depute Provost of Perth and Kinross, Willie Wilson (pictured).Press and Public Affairs Manager Claire Munro said:"The SFHA was at the Scottish liberal Democrat conference to promote our General Election manifesto, which calls for action on housing supply, climate change, and financial inclusion. We were very pleased with the Liberal Democrat's&nbsp; response to the manifesto, as well as the number of party members coming over for a chat. We look forward to a General election campaign which features robust discussion on the issues facing affordable housing in Scotland."&nbsp;]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/housing-tops-the-bill-at-liberal-democrat-conference-4407]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Albyn Employees Give Generously]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Albyn Housing Society is encouraging employees to contribute to the Haiti Disaster Appeal via their salaries and an impressive sum of Â£1,340.29 has been donated.Anne Mackay, Helen Cameron, Angela Kay, Helen Barton, Sue Brown, Gayle Anderson, Natasha Shearer, Di Breden, Robin Nairn and Calum Macauly are to thank for the joint donation. Some have opted to contribute a stated cash sum where others are generously donating a whole day's pay.&nbsp; Several other staff at the Invergordon-based Housing Association have previously made donations via their own means.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Calum Macauly, Chief Executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: ""The recent disaster in Haiti has shocked the world and like everyone we want to help in whatever way we can.&nbsp; "The payroll donation scheme is simple, all employees need to do is tell finance know how much to deduct from their wages and the money is transferred straight to the appeal.&nbsp; We are proud to have such generous, compassionate individuals as part of our team."With over 3 million people affected by the earthquake and a death toll of approximately 220,000 it's clear these donations are going to a very worthwhile cause.The Housing Society is no stranger to helping those in need.&nbsp; Similar donation schemes in the past to helped the Indian Ocean Tsunami Appeal as well as Homeless International's Scottish Sanitation to India Appeal for slum dwellers in India.&nbsp; The organisation also holds regular fund-raising schemes and events for Invergordon RNLI Lifeboat, and other charities causes.www.albynhousing.org.uk&nbsp;]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/albyn-employees-give-generously-4403]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[SFHA Annual Conference Moves to September 2010]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[The SFHA Annual Conference has been moved from its June spot and will now take place on 7 &amp; 8 September at the Thistle Glasgow Hotel. Entitled New Beginnings, this flagship event will include a look at the new political landscape following the General Election and how this will affect Scotland, as well as examining governance issues. The conference will also be discussing Stage 2 of the Housing Bill and informing delegates of the changes that will need to be made with the introduction of the Energy Efficiency agenda.&nbsp;The change of date will allow the SFHA to be one of the first conferences to discuss Stage 2 of the Housing Bill, have some discussion after the General Election and introduce the SFHA's new Chief Executive to the sector.&nbsp;Conference information and booking forms will be available shortly.www.sfha.co.uk]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/sfha-annual-conference-moves-to-september-2010-4397]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[More New Homes from Ayrshire Housing]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[The former leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Hugh Hunter has opened Ayrshire Housing's latest development at Observer Court, Prestwick. &nbsp;It is a development of 10 flats and houses. Two of which have been especially adapted to suit tenants with particular requirements. â€¨ â€¨Councillor Hunter said "I'm delighted that Ayrshire Housing has been able to secure more much needed housing for rent through developing a successful partnership with the Kingcase Parish Church. We also see the benefits of the longstanding relationship between Ayrshire Housing and the Council which has ensured housing especially designed for people leaving residential care in the majority &nbsp;of its new housing developments".â€¨&nbsp;â€¨The arrangement with the Kingcase Parish Church released land for much needed affordable housing &nbsp;which in turn facilitated the enlargement of their church hall. &nbsp;The final stage of the partnership will see the completion of the church's new car park over the next few weeks. Scottish Churches Housing Action has highlighted the project nationally as an example of what a church with surplus land or buildings can do by working in partnership with its local housing association. The project also complements the substantial investment of South Ayrshire Council in their adjacent flats. â€¨ â€¨The project cost Â£1.2 m and has been supported by generous grants from the Scottish Government and South Ayrshire Council.â€¨&nbsp;â€¨The design is by award winning Ayr based ARPL architects. Sadly the original contractor - the long established Moulds of Kilmarnock - went out of business last summer. The project was then completed by Prestwick based Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd.www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/more-new-homes-from-ayrshire-housing-4402]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Cycle Rajasthan or Cycle Edinburgh  - Challenges with a Difference!]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[This year, as we have been doing regularly since 1992, EMMS is organising sponsored bike rides.Our major ride, in November 2010, is in the Land of Kings, in India. We begin at the Taj Mahal in Agra cycle, via another the World Heritage Site at Fatehpur Sikri, to Jaipur, the Pink City. This is a rare opportunity to visit some of the wonders of India and to see the country at a pace at which one can absorb the culture.If that were not enough in itself, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you will be helping to improve palliative care in our supported hospitals in India. There will be the opportunity to visit one of the hospitals that will benefit from the funds raised - Shalom Clinic, in Delhi.In June 2010, again in aid of palliative care projects in India, we are cycling from Glasgow to Edinburgh via The Trossachs. This shorter ride - 3 days in total - takes the scenic route between Scotland's great cities and the finish is timed to coincide with the final celebrations of mission at the Edinburgh 2010 Centenary Conference. This ride provides an opportunity for those who would like to undertake one of our rides but find it difficult to travel abroad.To put your name down for one of these rides, please contact Mike Millar at EMMS International at info@emms.org call me on 0131 313 3828 or write to me at 7 Washington Lane, Edinburgh, EH11 2HA.Please note, minimum sponsorship levels apply.&nbsp; EMMS International - Who We Are.What we do:EMMS International is a registered Scottish charity based in Edinburgh.&nbsp; Our primary focus is supporting health and education projects in India, Nepal and Malawi.&nbsp; We do not employ any overseas staff and work instead with Christian organisations based in the communities that they serve.&nbsp; We have a supporter base across the whole of the UK and beyond. Why we do it:All of the countries in which we work have significant health and social challenges.&nbsp; Access to affordable healthcare and education, communicable diseases, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and gender equality are common challenges.&nbsp; Maternal deaths and under-5 child mortality are high and government expenditure on health and education is low.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/cycle-rajasthan-or-cycle-edinburgh----challenges-with-a-difference-4396]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[The new Housing (Scotland) Bill; what do tenants think?]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[TPAS have submitted their response on the Housing (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament. The response is based on the views of tenants from all over Scotland who took part in specially organised briefing sessions that were supported by the Scottish Government.&nbsp; The Bill in a nutshellThe Scottish Government hope the Bill will safeguard social housing for future generations by further restricting the Right to Buy. The Bill also proposes changes to the regulation of social housing that aim to inspire confidence in the sector whilst also placing tenants and service users at the heart of regulation.Restrict the Right to BuyTenants are largely supportive of the Government's plans to reign in the Right to Buy, improve regulation and tighten up the regulation of private landlords by granting more powers to local authorities. Feedback from tenants suggests that whilst many of the measures are welcome, the Bill does not go far enough. In particular many tenants would like to see further restrictions on Right to Buy, including smaller discounts and measures to limit people to 'one Right to Buy per lifetime' The Social Housing Charter must drive up standards Proposals to introduce a new Social Housing Charter that set national standards whilst allowing scope for localised service standards have also been welcomed. Tenants however, would like to see more details on the Charter.Many tenants believe the proposals seem quite vague, and if they are to be successful they must introduce clear standards that are understood and supported by tenants. The Charter must be jargon free Jamie Ballantine, Head of Projects at TPAS explains:"Tenants like the idea of a Scottish Social Housing Charter, but they want to see something meaningful. The Charter must be concise and free of jargon and 'management speak'. Jamie argues that by keeping things simple, everyone can benefit: "A Charter that everyone understands and wants will ultimately be of most value to the whole social housing movement".&nbsp; TPAS welcome the Government's plans to involve tenants in working out the details of the Social Housing Charter next year. www.tpasscotland.org.uk ]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/the-new-housing-scotland-bill;-what-do-tenants-think-4401]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Contractors and Trainees Honoured at TOiL Ceremony in Leith]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Seven trainees graduated from Training Opportunities in Lothian (TOiL) Project at a ceremony in Leith on Thursday 4 March and, for the first time, five of the contractors who trained them were also honoured. The programme offers six months' paid work experience placements aimed at getting young school leavers, with few or no qualifications, skills and work experience to get them into the job market. Training placements are with local firms in a variety of trades and give the trainees real experience and skills that employers look for, whilst paying them a decent wage while learning. The programme is backed by Port of Leith Housing Association, who also provides in-house training and career guidance for the trainees. The seven trainees - Paul Glynn (placed with N W Watt &amp; Son), Kevin Casey (Carillion), Badou Sallah (Carillion), James Glasgow (M Gillhooley Contracts), David Craig (Margaret Blackwood Housing Association), Kenny Lindsay (Out of the Blue Arts Education Trust) and Robbie Duncan (Mitie Property Services) - have worked on a range of skills from plumbing and joinery to painting and decorating. The contractors were recognised in a range of awards as follows:Certificate of Recognition: N Watt &amp; Son, EdinburghSilver Award: Quality Decor, Dalkeith TB Mackay, GrantonGold Award: Hugh Muirhead &amp; Son Ltd, Leith MITIE Property Services (Painting &amp; Decorating), Roddinglaw.Speaking as he made the awards, Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, said:"I am delighted to see our trainees graduate after six months' hard work on placements that have sent some of them around Scotland. Already one of our trainees has secured an apprenticeship on the back of the skills learned through TOiL and another two have found work. The others won't be far behind. "At this time, when the pinch of recession is still being felt, we thought that it was also important to honour the contribution made to the project by the contractors we work with. It would be easy for them to step back from supporting trainees at this time but they haven't. Without them, there would be no programme and we are grateful for their ongoing support. But it goes without saying that we are always looking for new building trades companies to help us with our placements." www.polha.co.uk]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/contractors-and-trainees-honoured-at-toil-ceremony-in-leith-4400]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Sidey Reduce their Carbon Footprint]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Perth based company Sidey Ltd have been working closely with Specialist Waste Recycling Ltd (SWR) as part of their commitment to preserving the natural environment and providing you with energy efficient products and environmental services.Latest figures provided by SWR show that for the period 08/08/09 to 31/12/09 Sidey has shown an increase in its recycling of 7% in the last quarter from 82% to 89%.This carbon saving is equivalent to taking 69 cars off the road, the average CO2 use of 27 people for a 3 month period or heating 198 UK homes for 3 months.SWR commented - "We were able to introduce a completely new scheme and help a company with a fantastic history improve their environmental credentials. The recycling system that we produced for them was highly successful and surpassed our own high expectations. The work being done with Sidey in Scotland is a testament to the hard work of employees from both companies and a great working relationship."Steve Hardy, Sidey's Commercial Sales Director commented - "SWR came into Sidey and quietly but quickly analysed all the waste streams coming out of each part of the business. This allowed SWR &amp; Sidey to work together to establish a zero waste strategy for our business."Previously, the majority of waste would have gone to landfill, but now, we can provide our customers with a total recycling solution for the waste generated and ensure PVC materials are recycled".For further information regarding Sidey's waste recycling strategy contact us on tncinfo@sidey.co.uk&nbsp;]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/sidey-reduce-their-carbon-footprint-4399]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[2010 SURF Annual Conference - two weeks left to book]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[If you have not already done so, there are still two weeks left to book your place at the 2010 SURF Annual Conference, one of the key events in the Scottish regeneration calendar. The conference takes place over two days on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th March in Edinburgh.The theme of this year's conference is on 'sustaining and reinventing community regeneration' in a time of economic inactivity, dramatic reductions in public spending and rising levels of unemployment and poverty. The focus is on linking people, projects, practice and research across the SURF network to explore the opportunities for practical, pro-active and cooperative responses to the threat of substantial degeneration across the board.The format will include keynote presentations alongside interactive elements such as facilitated debates, panel sessions, electronic voting and a social/business networking event. The conference participants include (a-z by surname):Chair â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jim McCormick, Scotland Adviser, Joseph Rowntree FoundationKey speakersâ€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kath Beveridge, Head of Community Planning, Aberdeen City Council â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mike Foulis, Director of Housing &amp; Regeneration, Scottish Government â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prof. Greg Lloyd, Professor of Urban Planning, University of Belfast â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jim McFarlane, Managing Director of Operations, Scottish Enterprise â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prof. Duncan Maclennan, international expert on housing and regeneration â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dominic Munro, Head of Communities Analytical Services, Scottish GovernmentConstructive debatersâ€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bob Christie, Outcomes Programme Manager, Improvement Service â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr Carol Craig, Chief Executive, Centre for Confidence and Wellbeing â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Diarmaid Lawlor, Head of Urbanism, Architecture and Design Scotland â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Robert McDowall, Director, DTZ â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr John McKendrick, Director, Scottish Poverty Information Unit â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stewart Murdoch, Director of Leisure &amp; Communities, Dundee City Council â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alistair Scott, Director, Smith Scott Mullan ArchitectsPanel membersâ€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chris Higgins, Head of Culture &amp; Third Sector, Highlands &amp; Islands Enterprise â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prof. Ade Kearns, Professor of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alasdair Kerr, Director of Business Development &amp; Enterprise, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jackie Killeen, Head of Policy &amp; Public Affairs, Big Lottery Fund in Scotland â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gordon McLaren, Chief Executive, ESEP Ltd â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jim Rafferty, Chief Executive, Capital City Partnership â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prof. Gill Scott, Professor Emeritus in Sociology, Glasgow Caledonian UniversityPlease Click Here for a programme and further information from the SURF website.&nbsp;Alternatively, contact Derek Rankine from SURF direct with any enquiries on 0141 585 6879 or email derek@scotregen.co.uk. The closing date for bookings is Thursday 18th March.]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/2010-surf-annual-conference---two-weeks-left-to-book-4406]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Job of the Day - Finance Manager / Scotland - Stornoway]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[The Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) was formed to take forward the ownershipof 1800 Local Authority houses from Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (CNES). Stock transfer took place in September 2006. We currently manage over 2100 properties for rent throughout the Western Isles and our vision is to: "provide good quality and affordable homes and to secure consistently excellent housing services throughout the Western Isles" Based in the picturesque location of Stornoway, you will provide financial advice and support to colleagues enabling them to make sound business decisions, whilst ensuring the provision of high quality finance and legal services throughout the organisation.Reporting to the Director of Resources, and acting as Depute in their absence, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the finance team, with hands on involvement in the preparation of monthly management / annual statutory accounts, grant claims and co-ordination of the annual budget process.You will also be required to develop and review policies and procedures across the finance and legal functions, manage the administration of the right to buy process and represent the finance function at external and Board and Committee meetings. You will be an experienced finance professional with a proven track record of leading a finance team and as a member of the senior management team will directly contribute to the ongoing strategic decision making process.Additionally you will have: â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Experience of presenting financial information at Board/Committee level. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Excellent communication skills. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Proven track record in forging relationships with external stakeholders. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The ability to negotiate and influence. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Experience of reviewing and implementing controls and procedures.&nbsp; â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The ability to develop and interpret complex financial models. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Experience of delivering the highest standards of performance and customer service. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strong IT skills especially Excel Benefits: â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Salary range - Â£31,000 - Â£37,000.&nbsp; â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Annual Leave - 20 days annual leave rising to 25 days after 5 years service. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flexible working conditions apply, additional days are given as office is closed during Christmas and New Year (generally 3 days), 12 public holidays. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pension Scheme - There is a contributory pension scheme with Highland Council which is a standard local government scheme. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sick Pay - Generous sick pay scheme again in line with local government schemes. â€¢&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Relocation assistance will be given with relocation if required. All third party applications will be forwarded to Hays.&nbsp;Ref Code: ADV342394SFHA7 Closing Date: Not specified Salary: Â£31,000 - 37,000 Position Type: Permanent To apply please visit: http://www.haysresponse.com/?Ref=ADV342394SFHA7or emailjobs@haysresponse.com with ADV342394SFHA7 as the email subject]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/job-of-the-day---finance-manager--scotland---stornoway-4391]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Win Â£40 of Marks and Spencers Vouchers]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Your favourite housing newsletter is offering readers the chance to win a fantastic prize every month.March has a top notch prize - Â£40 worth of Marks and Spencers VouchersTo win the vouchers, just answer this simple question:"What is the longest river in Scotland?"Please email your answers to mhinshelwood@sfha.co.ukClosing Date: 30th March 2010]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/3/9/win-â£40-of-marks-and-spencers-vouchers-4293]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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