Susan Bell

Susan Bell, appointed as chief executive in April, highlighted this as a key point at the AGM while reflecting on the previous year and giving a brief overview of future plans, including the “strategic options appraisal” outcome.

It concluded that Muirhouse should remain an independent association and seek to ‘create positive partnerships’ which can add value to the community it operates within.

Muirhouse said it recognised the “challenging” period endured by so many families due to the cost of living crisis – with the housing association not immune from spiralling costs.

Ms Bell highlighted four future priorities for Muirhouse as it marks its 30th year:

• Improving the local neighbourhood with a renewed focus on making it desirable, safe and attractive
• Muirhouse would “go beyond” the delivery of housing provision reinforcing its role as a “community anchor” to support local people
• The association would strive to deliver the highest level of service possible to tenants and crucially, listen to their views
• Despite rising costs in maintaining housing stock, Muirhouse would not lose sight of the need to deliver energy efficiency in its homes

Ms Bell said: “While our core activity remains the provision of good quality housing, we are in no doubt that our role in the community is to make life better for those we serve.

“That’s why there will be a focus on strengthening our role as the anchor which brings our community together and demonstrating that we will always be on the side of our tenants.”

In his address, chairperson Iain Strachan praised those involved with Muirhouse for their commitment and hard work – notably during the pandemic and more recently with the cost of living challenge.

He said there had been “huge efforts” made by the board and staff and also thanked tenants and the community for their support.

Demonstrating the wider role activity of the housing association, Iain disclosed that its well-used Financial Inclusion Service had unlocked almost £200,000 of additional financial support for tenants – notably in the claiming of state benefits.

The association had also donated over £8000 to local organisations and charities further demonstrating its support for the community.

Muirhouse will mark its 30th anniversary with a number of events with a clear tenant and community focus to ensure everyone is involved in celebrating this important milestone.