Rent increase 2024/25
This week we are sending emails/letters advising tenants about the 7.7% rent increase which will take affect from 1 April 2024.
Tenants were consulted on the proposed rent increase in December 2023 and the results are shown below.
GOALS - New centre of excellence for learning and development launched by Grampian Housing Association
The learning and development opportunities offered by Grampian Housing Association have been brought together in its new GOALS initiative.
Formally launched to staff this week, GOALS demonstrates the Association’s commitment to continuous learning by equipping and supporting colleagues to achieve career growth during their time with Grampian.
The latest colleague to benefit is Jessica Adams, Neighbourhood Officer who has been selected to participate in the GEM Programme. Jess will undertake the CIH Level 4 qualification whilst benefitting from wider mentoring and learning events to give real insight into the world of housing and the challenges it faces.
Chris Mathieson, head of people experience at Grampian Housing Association said:-
“GOALS, our new centre of excellence for learning and development demonstrates the Association’s clear commitment to develop and create opportunities for both our people and our tenants.
“For colleagues, lifelong learning and development provides new skills, experiences and qualifications which help navigate the world or work; motivating, encouraging and leading future learning all of which delivers enhanced service to tenants.
“GOALS also meets the needs of our tenants and highlights the life-changing impact which new learning, skills and qualifications can have on tenants, their families and their local communities through improving employability opportunities, household incomes and overall wellbeing. At Grampian, we encourage everyone to have goals because everyone matters.”
Opportunities for colleagues include the range of e-learning qualifications through the Association’s unique partnership with The Skills Network which offer nationally recognised qualifications.
In addition, frontline colleagues are undertaking formal CIH qualifications to equip them to deliver the very best services to tenants and customers.
As part of the Association’s health and safety compliance all colleagues are undertaking WorkRite e-learning modules covering topics such as manual handling and lone working as well as in other areas of compliance such as preventing fraud and anti-money laundering.
The Association has two ILM qualified workplace coaches to help colleagues unlock their potential and shape future careers.
GOALS also encompasses exciting opportunities for tenants. As well as having access to The Skills Network to access free distance learning qualifications the Association has partnered with Skillzminer, a new employability tool and jobs platform, helping tenants who want to move to a new job, re-enter the employment market or access their dream job.
The Association’s tenancy sustainment services are there to support tenants if their personal or financial issues are holding back their learning and development ambitions.
Tenants interested in working for Grampian can take advantage of student placement and workplace opportunities. The Association also participates in the Kickstart Scheme with the Department of Work and Pensions offering short paid job placements to young unemployed people.
Festive Message from Grampian Group CEO Craig Stirrat
As part of my festive message to tenants and our customers, I wanted to remind everyone of our commitment to continue to support you and provide the best service we can as your landlord and service provider.
The Grampian Board, myself and my team are passionate about providing everyone with a great service experience and to provide the best support we can to those that need it in these difficult times.
To this end , this year we launched the Grampian Deal which is our commitment to continually improve our service and our homes to ensure you enjoy a safe, secure and warm affordable quality home and place – and when things go wrong we will put things right - learning from our service failings as we do so to ensure we do better next time.
In 2024, we will continue to investment to upgrade those homes that are due new kitchens, bathrooms , windows , and making your home more energy efficient, more comfortable and cheaper to heat. There will be new homes, new opportunities for training too . So a lot to look forward to.
So on behalf of everyone here at the Grampian Housing Group, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful festive season and a happy and healthy new year.
'The Noise App' - 1 month trial
Starting today, Monday 22 January, Grampian Housing is running a 1 month trial of ‘The Noise App’.
‘The Noise App’ helps you record any persistent noise nuisance where you live and report it to your Neighbourhood Officer.
You can download ‘The Noise App’ for free via the App Store for iPhone or The Google Play Store for Android phones.
You will need to register and set up an account choosing Grampian Housing Association as your housing provider. Your request will be reviewed and if confirmed you can begin using the app and send recordings through.
Please note you must agree to terms & conditions when downloading the app.
For more details on ‘The Noise App’ visit https://www.thenoiseapp.com/#/
Rent Consultation 2024-25
We need your views!
Each year we (Grampian Housing Association) review our rents on the 1 April to take account of inflation, changes in interest rates charged on our loans and year on year cost increases. We have now reached the time in the year where we must start to consider our rent charges for the next financial year, 2024-25.
Legally, we are required to consult our tenants about proposed rent increases, and to take account of your opinions before we make a final decision on how we will balance our budget.
We understand that any rent increase, particularly during the current cost of living crisis, will be unwelcomed, however, during the last 12 months the cost of managing, maintaining and improving homes increased on average by 18%. This increase, coupled with ambitious targets set by the Government to improve the energy efficiency of our homes which will lower utility costs and decarbonise heating, as well as increasing compliance with health and safety measures, means that we simply can no longer afford to increase rents below the level of inflation.
Click here to see a copy of the letter which has been sent to Grampian tenants.