Unveiling the new logo and website, Chairperson Bill McNamara said they reflected the progressive nature of the organisation as it approaches its 21st anniversary later this year.

The website has been simplified making it easier to use and embraces new technology not available when the previous site was launched.

Significantly, the website now includes a 'secure log in area' where the association's residents can log in to view their account transactions, latest balance and information about repairs they have reported.

Bill explained:

"The new website puts our tenants and residents at the heart of the organisation. They can now report a repair, pay rent or check their factoring account online. New applicants can apply for a home by downloading an application form or check out other housing options available.

"We have included short films about the organisation, offer residents the opportunity to ask for an appointment to see a member of staff and we've made it easier to provide feedback to the association. Our aim was to create a website that reflects our work and values, and that residents find helpful and want to use."

Alasdair McKee, Chief Executive added:

"There is also a specific download area and we are now featured on Facebook and Twitter - again showing that Glen Oaks embraces the concept of social media which we know is popular with our residents."

Meanwhile, a bold new logo has been created using Glen Oaks' red colour but with the additional colour of brown. It replaces the previous black and red corporate image which featured a row of houses of differing sizes.

Glen Oaks was founded in the Darnley area of Glasgow in 1991 and has expanded significantly to become a leading city housing provider with homes across the Greater Pollok area.

Through its three-year budget setting process, the council has identified savings of £18.6 million for 2012-13. There will be no need for new cuts and the council is now in a position to invest £4.55 million in key frontline services. These include an extra £2 million to be spent on road maintenance, such as filling pot holes and improving drainage, and an extra £200,000 to support management in smaller primary schools. These are one-off additional payments in 2012-13.

On top of this the council has agreed recurring additional spending as follows:

• £1 million on keeping older people fit, healthy and safe at home;
• £650,000 on enhanced pupil support in the classroom;
• £250,000 on fostering and adoptions;
• £250,000 on children disability teams;
• £200,00 on employability/youth employment; and
• £200,000 for supporting management in smaller primary schools.

Budget Leader Councillor David Alston said:

"I am pleased to report that the council needs to make no further cutbacks in setting its budget for 2012/13. We planned ahead and made the difficult decisions well in advance. As a result have no further savings to find this year and will spend £602m on the services we provide for the public.

"This shows both the value of three-year budgeting and of asking the public for their views on proposed savings. Our budget consultation in 2010 was one of the most comprehensive consultations carried out by any council in Scotland.

"I am also pleased that we will be able to maintain our capital programme at its current level, spending £75m on building projects, including schools, roads, care homes and flood prevention schemes. This is good news for local contractors and the wider economy of the Highlands."

Looking ahead to 2013/14 and 2014/15, he envisaged the council having to find substantial savings in each of these two financial years to cover pay inflation, price inflation and budget pressures.

He added:

"A new council will be elected early in May and it will be for them to agree these future savings. There is still a lot of work to do but I am confident that we leave a legacy of sound budget management."

The rules allow a range of works within certain constraints - including extensions, access ramps, sheds, garages and decking - to be built without applying for planning permission. Certain restrictions will still apply for conservation areas and listed buildings.

The regulations were laid in Parliament last October following a consultation, and will affect projects which go on site from today.

Until now, householders paid 160 pounds in planning fees for developments. Just over 40 per cent of all applications are for planning permission on existing homes and these changes aim to remove up to a fifth of those, around 4,000 a year, from the planning system.

Planning Minister Derek Mackay said:

"These changes allow people to improve their homes more easily and save them money, while creating jobs for building companies and trades people.

"Planning has an important role to play in increasing sustainable economic growth, and these changes, removing in certain cases the need for householders to get planning permission, are a good example of this. They will also enable planning authorities to focus their attention on processing applications for larger developments.

"We consulted extensively before introducing these changes and I am confident they strike the right balance between cutting red tape to help householders and protecting privacy and the appearance of Scotland's buildings. They also complement the work we have already undertaken to make it easier for householders to install small scale renewables technologies."

Bob Reid, Convenor of the Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland said:

"RTPI Scotland welcomes the new permitted development rights. These new rules will make it easier for people to make changes to their homes, with the right safeguards for neighbours and for conservation areas and listed buildings. This should allow planning authorities to focus their attention on more complex developments often with larger impact, which, in turn should help to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system."

Chris Norman, Chairman of the Heads of Planning Scotland Development Management Sub Committee said:

"Heads of Planning Scotland and the Scottish Government have worked closely together to prepare these new regulations. They strike a balance between the need to protect the appearance of Scotland's housing stock and the privacy of neighbours, while giving greater opportunity for householders to carry out small scale works to their home without the need for planning permission."

Grahame Barn, Director of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in Scotland commented:

"The potential benefits of these changes are clear to see and FMB Scotland builders welcomed the chance to be consulted on them. Small and medium sized building firms such as the FMB's members carry out the majority of domestic renovation and improvement jobs in Scotland so this legislation should help to make life a little easier for businesses that have been hard-pressed by the downturn. They should entail a streamlined planning process for small building companies and their domestic clients alike, leaving local authority planners throughout Scotland free to focus their energies on more complex developments. The ideal result will be improved business conditions for SME builders as the private sector market for home improvements like extensions and low carbon improvements regains its strength."

On a follow up visit the tenant group interviewed contractors using a ‘speed dating' technique to question and challenge them across a range of topics to determine their suitability to be considered further for inclusion onto the group framework. Following completion of the procurement process, the group framework allows for contractors and materials to be used at agreed competitive rates, enabling Irvine to make the best use of the available resources.

Jim Gordon, Property Services Manager at Irvine accompanied tenants to Carlisle, said:

"The tenants thoroughly enjoyed the visits and being able to get involved in wider group decisions. They interviewed contractors in a speed dating format where they asked specific questions and noted the contractors' responses. Feedback was that our tenants felt included in having a say and influence over the materials and suppliers being selected. A productive day was had by all!

"We will be working closely with Riverside colleagues to obtain the best value products and quality materials for Irvine tenants. Whilst we will be purchasing our materials through the group framework, we will continue to use our local contractors to install materials and upgrade properties."

16 February 2012
Hampden Park, Glasgow

The Welfare Reform Bill currently passing through Westminster represents the most significant overhaul of the welfare system since its creation in 1948. The new Universal Credit will radically change the way that support for housing costs will be calculated and paid. This presents serious challenges for landlords and their tenants.

This conference will examine and consider the impacts of the Welfare Reform Bill from a genuinely Scottish perspective, taking account of how the Bill will impact on social housing providers and their Third Sector partners, many of whom provide services to and represent the interest of various vulnerable groups across Scotland.

Jointly promoted by SFHA, SCVO, CiH Scotland, and ALACHO with the support of COSLA, this conference will take housing as its starting point for a thorough look at what the Bill will mean for Scotland. It will also explore consider the steps that Scottish Government, housing and the Third Sector need to take to mitigate those impacts.

We are offering a reduced delegate rate of £135 per person (£200 for non-members).

To book your place, contact the SFHA Events Team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or book online at www.sfha.co.uk

• Achieve great response rates
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This is an economical way to recruit staff, advertise tenders and promote your services.

We also advertise tenders FREE of charge (SFHA members only).

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