Tenants’ panel move to highlight safety fears
A RESIDENTS’ panel is set to be created by a Glasgow housing association to boost safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
North Glasgow’s ng Homes is recruiting tenants from all 14 of its high rises to join the new scheme.
The aim is to ensure locals in Springburn, Balornock, Possilpark and Parkhouse have their opportunity to put forward any concerns they have about safety directly to housing bosses.
MSP Bob Doris highlighted the pioneering project during a session at Holyrood yesterday, praising the housing firm’s efforts.
He has also lodged a motion commending NG Homes on their “speedy and proactive response” to the tragedy in London, and urged other housing firms to follow their lead.
He said: “One of the tragic lessons from the Grenfell Tower tragedy would appear to be a lack of communication with residents and a real sense of disempowerment.
“Tenant scrutiny panels, with meaningful participation, can help ensure that never happens here in Scotland.
“I am delighted that following discussions with ng Homes, they have agreed to establish a tenant scrutiny panel from residents who stay in their high rise properties.
“A tenant-led forum to provide for an ongoing dialogue on matters of health and safety, and in particular fire safety, could be a powerful example of the social rented sector in Scotland being both proactive and demonstrat- ing there is absolutely no complacency.
“I hope other housing providers with tower blocks in their stock will l ook at similar models.”
The housing provider will now begin their recruitment process for the panel, and will offer training to interested residents.
A spokesman confirmed they will be sending letters to tenants in all their high rises, encouraging them to taker part.