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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[Morgan Sindal Buys Connaught Social Housing Arm]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Morgan Sindall, the specialist construction group, has bought Connaught's social housing maintenance division out of administration, saving around 2,500 jobs across the UK, including over 500 in Scotland.The company said in a statement on Friday that its affordable housing division, Lovell Partnerships, had acquired the majority of the ongoing contract and related assets of Connaught Partnerships.Connaught has contracts with a range of housing associations spread across Scotland.Meanwhile Glasgow Housing Association tenants and factored homeowners whose home improvements were being carried out by contractor Connaught were reassured work would continue as normal.GHA's Executive Director of Development and Regeneration Alex McGuire said contractors were in place to pick up and complete any work Connaught was working on.Mr McGuire said: "We want to reassure tenants and factored homeowners they have nothing to worry about. Our replacement contractors are in place to complete the four projects Connaught was working on and one has already been on site today. "The switch to replacement contractors has been seamless and will not affect the quality of work - in every case it will be carried out to our high standards. We can also guarantee there will be no extra costs passed on to homeowners." GHA is working closely with the replacement contractors to minimise disruption and staff are talking individually to all tenants and homeowners affected.Three of the four projects which were being carried out by Connaught are in the south of the city and involve new roofs and overcladding. The other - in the west - involves fitting new kitchens and bathrooms. The replacement contractors are companies which already carry out similar projects and are part of GHA's capital investment programme. ]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/morgan-sindal-buys-connaught-social-housing-arm-5341]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Cube Housing Association Meets HRH The Duke of Rothesay]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Cube Housing Association was been chosen to meet HRH The Duke of Rothesay when he visited Glasgow this week (Monday 6th September) to showcase an innovative sustainability project which will cut carbon emissions and tackle tenants' fuel poverty on the association's Wyndford estate in Maryhill.Chief Executive Lynn McCulloch and Head of Regeneration Willie Croft attended the major event at Central Station, which saw part of the station concourse closed off for the arrival of The Prince of Wales, who is known as The Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland. Cube Housing Association Chief Executive Lynn McCulloch said:"We were delighted to be chosen to meet His Royal Highness on his visit to Glasgow and get the chance to show him how housing associations like Cube can contribute to addressing energy efficiency issues associated with existing high-rise and non traditional housing stock and help tackle climate change at the same time."Cube isn't just a landlord, it's a catalyst for regeneration in its many areas and a not-for-profit social enterprise run by elected volunteers.&nbsp; "This was a great opportunity to show the difference we can make when we work&nbsp; well with good partners like Glasgow City Council. Our Combined Heat and Power project will not only save carbon, it will improve energy efficiency and cut fuel poverty for both tenants and home owners."As part of the Sustainable Glasgow initiative, Cube is embarking on an ambitious project to install a combined heat and power system (CHP) to provide low-cost energy efficient heat to the residents of the Wyndford Estate, one of only a few such projects in Scotland.Combined with appropriate insulation measures heating costs will be dramatically lowered in the 1900 multi-storey and maisonette properties. The CHP energy centre will allow the scheme to be expanded to serve new build housing in adjacent developments, as well as commercial or public buildings in the area. It also allows for a variety of fuels to be used including gas waste from a nearby Glasgow City Council Recycling Centre.Following the Duke's visit, Cube had a public information stand for the rest of the day. with further details about the scheme and the work of the association at Central Station.www.cubehousing.co.uk ]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/cube-housing-association-meets-hrh-the-duke-of-rothesay-5340]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Housing Minister Gives "House" the Thumbs Up at SFHA Conference]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Alex Neil MSP met up with North Glasgow Housing Association's new mascot in Glasgow this week at the SFHA conference: New Beginnings: Fresh Challenges.The Minister for Housing and Communities took time out from his busy schedule at the conference to meet "House" and gave the colourful mascot the thumbs up.&nbsp; It's not the first time the Minister has met with representatives from North Glasgow HA.&nbsp; Last year Mr Neil officially opened their £4.2M "Eco Homes" development in Springburn where tenants have seen major reductions in their fuel bills as a result of the energy efficient homes.&nbsp; At the time the Minister praised the association for: "providing new housing that will change lives and benefit entire communities". He also recognised that: "Social landlords have a vital role to play in the provision of good quality, affordable housing"Robert Tamburrini, North Glasgow Chief Executive said: "House" is our new mascot and has been an instant hit with local families.&nbsp; The association has invested over £100M since it was established.&nbsp; "House" reflects the association's aspirations of continuing to build a new North Glasgow: a great place to live, learn, work, visit and invest in.""House" was delighted the Minister posed for photos and said:&nbsp; "This is going up on my living room wall when I get home."&nbsp; ]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/housing-minister-gives-house-the-thumbs-up-at-sfha-conference-5337]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Queen's Cross Adopts 2009 SFHA Model Rules]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Another chapter in the 34 year history of Queen Cross Housing Association was written this week (Wednesday 8th September ) when a tremendous turnout of 95 members overwhelmingly&nbsp; approved the adoption of the 2009 SFHA Model Rules amended to take account of the specific needs of the association and put in place&nbsp; governance structures that are fit for its future. John Gray, Acting Chair opened the meeting by explaining that whilst the association has completely reviewed its governance arrangements and was proposing a number of significant changes it will always remain a community led organisation,&nbsp; committed&nbsp; to delivering&nbsp; services and&nbsp; activities&nbsp; to improve the quality of life of our local people. Paul Rydquist, Acting Chief Executive presented the new governance structures highlighting the proposal to introduce Independent members with specific skills, to the new 'Board'&nbsp; for the first time, and new neighbourhood committees to replace existing area and LHO committees from April 2011. These new committees will have real powers to improve services in their areas of operation.&nbsp; &nbsp;Stephen MacGregor from TC Young Solicitors was in attendance to oversee the proceedings and answer questions from members. Now that the members of the association have given the thumbs up to the Rules they will be sent off to the Scottish Housing Regulator, SFHA and FSA for final approval. www.queenscrossha.org.uk]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/queens-cross-adopts-2009-sfha-model-rules-5336]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Letter to Editor - Bruce Forbes]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA["I have a great deal of respect for Alex Neil. In my opinion, he has been the most informed and approachable Housing Minister that we have had since Devolution.&nbsp;"It is, therefore, disappointing that even before any fundamental review of public spending priorities has been published by the UK or Scottish Governments, the Minister is already guaranteeing that the Housing budget is to be cut and issuing a stark warning of tough times ahead.&nbsp;"Tough times ahead indeed, but the question is - for whom?&nbsp;"I wonder just how many homeless people, how many overcrowded families or construction workers were in the audience at the SFHA conference to hear the warning. It is they who are already living through tough times and who look likely to continue to suffer most - either by fewer houses being built for rent or because rents are forced ever higher as voluntary Committee members of Housing Associations grapple with their consciences and continue to build new homes for less public subsidy.&nbsp;"The reality is that the Affordable Housing Investment Programme is a very small proportion of the total Scottish Government budget and has been since devolution and beyond. Social Housing is already a residual sector of last resort due to a political obsession by all of the main parties in the last 30 years with owner occupation as the tenure of choice. Cutting the budget of Alex Neil's department is hardly going to be the solution to the funding black hole Scotland will be facing by the end of October.&nbsp;"Surely, therefore, it is time for a real and genuine review of public spending priorities based on the principle that this should be fair and accordingly, go some way to meeting the objective of closing the gap between rich and poor in our society. &nbsp;"In this scenario, I would argue there is a case for increased Government investment in building new, and improving older, homes for rent.&nbsp;"How much more impoverished can someone be than if they are homeless? What use is protecting investment in education if any child has to go home from school at night to try to do homework in a homeless hostel or an overcrowded house? What is the point in protecting investment in Health if the living conditions that cause the health problems of the poorest aren't addressed at source?&nbsp;"Just as importantly, how many construction jobs will be lost if public investment in capital expenditure projects takes the strain of the bulk of the cuts or if Housing Benefit takes the strain of increased rents but condemns tenants to benefit dependency because they can't afford to take a low wage job?&nbsp;"The reality, I suspect, of answering these questions would lead me in to analysing how dis-enfranchised and alienated many of the people at the bottom of Scottish society are.&nbsp;"The call for Fresh Thinking and New Ideas in Housing Policy is laudable and new initiatives are always worthwhile. &nbsp;"In a time, however, of increasing pressure on public funding, it might be perhaps more appropriate if we looked to fresh thinking and new ideas that are committed to a fairer distribution of our wealth. Increased investment in decent housing for the poorest in our society must surely be one of the strong foundations we need if we are to have any hope of tackling the wider social and economic problems we face in the coming years."&nbsp;Bruce Forbes Director&nbsp;Angus Housing Association Limited&nbsp;]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/letter-to-editor---bruce-forbes-5334]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[West of Scotland HA to Hold First Tenants' Conference]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[West of Scotland Housing Association is holding its first tenants conference on 14th September 2010. The conference is being held in the Whitehill Neighborhood Centre, Hamilton.The association has had a very positive response from their tenants, and a number of Organisations are participating to provide advice and information. These include, TPAS, Energy Action Scotland, Glasgow Community Safety, NHS Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire Leisure.The theme for the conference is "Change" and how the association, tenants and outside agencies can work together to make positive differences in their communities.www.westscot.co.uk ]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/west-of-scotland-ha-to-hold-first-tenants-conference-5335]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Ore Valley HA Holds Lively AGM]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Ore Valley Housing Association held its 2010 Tenants Conference and Annual General Meeting on Saturday the 4th of September. The event was the usual lively affair with over 50 tenants in attendance. The conference featured several presentations from association staff on wide ranging topics such as rent setting, avoidance of debt and arrears and an update on the various sustainability projects OVHA is developing as well as some interesting question and answer sessions. The winners of the annual Tenants' Garden Competition were announced and the formal proceedings were completed with the Association's AGM. A buffet lunch and raffle concluded the day.www.orevalleyha.org.uk&nbsp;]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/ore-valley-ha-holds-lively-agm-5338]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Illegal Meter Credit - Warning on Doorstop Selling]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Energy companies and Consumer Focus, the consumer watchdog, are warning that an estimated 85,000 households have been affected by a doorstep scam which seems to offer cheaper electricity meter top-ups but just ends up with consumers paying twice. Today, Tuesday 7 September,&nbsp; as the scale of widespread illegal sales of electricity top-up on the doorstep is revealed, energy companies are launching a national campaign, "Top up Safe", urging electricity prepayment meter customers to buy top-up only through official channels. The problem is affecting customers of all of the leading energy companies (British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power and SSE). Companies have begun writing to and telephoning their electricity pre-payment meter customers to alert them. There is evidence of serious and organised criminal activity and they are urging customers not to buy credit for their meters on the doorstep. Some customers are being offered £50 of electricity meter top-up for a cash payment of just £25.&nbsp; Energy companies detect when they have not received payment for electricity used. As the energy credit is illegal any customer buying top-up on the doorstep will end up paying twice, first to the criminal and then to their energy supplier. Christine McGourty, Director at Energy UK, which represents all the leading energy companies, says: "This a serious and widespread scam and we're launching the Top-Up Safe campaign to urge customers to steer clear of the criminals behind it. Just like when you buy something fake online - like a ticket for a football match or a music concert - you're the one who'll end up losing out in the end. "Energy companies can detect the fraud and you'll end up paying twice for your electricity, first to the criminal and then again to your energy company, who can always detect when electricity has been used, but not paid for through the proper channels. It's essential that you only top-up your electricity meter from recognized PayPoint or Payzone shops or The Post Office. &nbsp;"Energy companies are determined to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice and are working closely with the Police at a local and national level to stamp out this illegal activity." Mike O'Connor CBE, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, says:&nbsp;"This despicable scam is putting cash in the pockets of criminals&nbsp; and defrauding&nbsp; thousands of people who are already hard pressed in this economic climate. Consumers must be on the alert for anyone who comes to their doorstep claiming to sell electricity credit. Any customer worried that they may have been affected should call their energy supplier or Consumer Direct to seek advice." A national industry communications campaign has been launched with a prominent warning message on the receipts issued when customer buy electricity top-up from official outlets - PayPoint, Payzone and The Post Office. Companies never sell electricity top-up door-to-door.The industry's national "Top-Up Safe" campaign will also include posters and leaflets and a dedicated website. Further information can be found at: http://www.top-upsafe.com/Customers can contact their electricity company or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. &nbsp;]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/illegal-meter-credit---warning-on-doorstop-selling-5339]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Job of the Day - Sales Account Manager]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Position: Janex Limited - Sales Account ManagerLocation: FalkirkClosing Date:&nbsp; 24th Sep 2010Position: Sales Account ManagerSalary: Dependant on ExperienceClosing Date: 24th September 2010The Company:Janex are suppliers of High performance timber windows, aluminium clad windows and doorsets.Founded in 1992 as a Norwegian Company specialising in the supply of timber windows, alu-clad windows and composite doorsets to the UK market. Janex, in Scotland, predominantly work in the Social Housing market.Janex were the first Scandinavian supplier to achieve certification for FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody scheme. Janex range of windows and doors can achieve a high thermal U-Value of 0.7W/m2KPurpose of JobTo profitably develop the sales turnover and margins against set budgets in line with business sectors. To actively sell the specification of Janex products to RSL's Maintenance and development teams and assume complete responsibility of all customers and clients within agreed budget plans and targeted areas.The CandidateThe ideal candidate must have excellent numerate and literary skills, a professional attitude, clear and concise communicator and will be familiar with the RSL market. The successful candidate will require to work within a small professional team and will be field based.If you are seeking a diverse, challenging and highly rewarding job within a forward looking organisation, then please send your CV to Brian Davie - Brian.Davie@janex.co.uk or contact him on 01324 673250 for an informal discussion.Closing Date: 24th September 2010&nbsp; ]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/job-of-the-day---sales-account-manager-5333]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Book Your Spotlight Supplement]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Shout about your successes and achievements with a Housing Scotland Magazine 'Spotlight' Supplement.The high profile and extremely popular Spotlight Supplement is available as either an A4 16 page, 12 page or A4 8 page supplement within the magazine.Housing Scotland magazine is Scotland's premier publication for the affordable housing sector.Director of Williamsburgh Housing Association Gordon Williamson said:"Williamsburgh Housing Association were delighted with the positive response to the spotlight supplement, which celebrated the Association's 30th anniversary. Not only did we receive significant assistance from those who supported the feature but the attractive supplement served to introduce our Association to those who knew little about us and remind our stakeholders about the Association's achievements to date."Housing associations and commercial members can book the supplement.If you would like to book a spotlight or require further information, please contact Robert Aitken: raitken@sfha.co.uk or Phil Campbell: pcampbell@sfha.co.uk]]></description>
				<link><![CDATA[http://www.housingscotlandtoday.com/2010/9/10/book-your-spotlight-supplement-4956]]></link>
				<pubDate>2010-09-10</pubDate>
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