John Brannan

The committee has decided to freeze rents in 2021/22. The committee’s decision follows detailed consideration of the impact on the long-term financial projections on the one hand, and what it would mean for tenants individually on the other. Many tenants will continue to struggle financially, but hopefully this small gesture will help.

In November 2019, Cernach employed a full-time welfare rights officer in response to increasing financial hardship within the community. Andy Parker joined the team and has secured a massive £414,750 of extra benefits in his first 12 months.

As community anchor organisation for Drumchapel, Cernach employs Ted Scanlon as community connector. Ted’s post is fully-funded by Glasgow City Council as part of its Thriving Places initiative. Ted has secured a lot of additional funding for Drumchapel during his tenure, with £100,000 of additional funding for the area secured since lockdown including cash donations to the Drumchapel foodbank and emergency cash payments to individuals.

A second phase of new build homes is almost complete, increasing stock from 794 homes to 878. Built to a high specification, including solar panels and telecommunications ‘future-proofing’, the 84 new units have been delivered without loan finance, helping improve Cernach’s ongoing viability as a community-based RSL.

The new builds also provided opportunities to contribute to wider community initiatives, including work experience and routes to qualifications for local school children interested in a career in the construction industry.

John Brannan, Cernach’s chair, said: “This has been a difficult year. Everyone at Cernach has done everything possible to keep things running smoothly and I’m truly grateful for that. Also in my thoughts are our people, some who have lost very close loved ones to COVID-19 and many who are successfully juggling childcare and care of relatives with working at home.

“I’m delighted that we’re freezing rents next year and hope that this helps, even in a small way. Andy’s achievements have been phenomenal and employing him was one of the best decisions we’ve made. As for Ted – well, what can anyone say? Ted has done so much positive work for the whole of Drumchapel in the past four years. I’m grateful to the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum for all their help with funding applications.

“The whole staff team has been truly magnificent in very difficult circumstances and I’m grateful to each and every one of them.”