Arklet Housing Association to pursue partnership option

arkletThe Board of Arklet Housing Association has decided to seek a formal partnership with another housing association after a strategic options review concluded it is the best way forward for its tenants.

Arklet is in high engagement with the Scottish Housing Regulator due to serious weaknesses in its governance. It has worked intensively to confront and deal with these issues and concerns.

The implementation of a comprehensive improvement plan is making good progress and should be completed within the next 9-12 months.

A spokesperson for Arklet told Scottish Housing News that its Board is confident that it can restore sound governance.

The spokesperson said: “The decision to seek a partner is not a response to a short-term crisis, or to the circumstances of regulatory intervention. It is about what is in the best interests of its tenants over the medium and longer term.”

Tenants will be at the heart of the partnership process, and are being informed, consulted and involved throughout.

Arklet’s services are held in high regard by its tenants, and the Association said it has plenty to offer to prospective partners.

The spokesperson added: “The Board is excited by the opportunities that partnership working could bring for current and future tenants. It favours forming a constitutional partnership, but is open to a range of partnership approaches, and will seek to find the arrangement that offers the best outcome for its tenants.”

Arklet Housing Association evolved from the Glasgow Jewish Housing Association, which was set up in 1967. Initial provision was in tenement flats in Glasgow’s South Side, followed by dedicated sheltered housing and then provision for a wider range of communities and needs, with an “access for all” approach.

It has a relatively high proportion of amenity housing for older people and for people with mental health support needs and people with learning disabilities.

Now based in East Renfrewshire, Arklet also has homes in South Lanarkshire and South Glasgow, owning and managing around 390 homes and factoring 41 properties with 13 staff.

Arklet expects to be able to provide further information to prospective partners in early October, seeking suggestions and proposals.

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