Housing group change

Partnership deal

A housing association that came under pressure in Cambuslang after a difficult 2017 has entered into formal partnership discussions.

Arklet and Hanover (Scotland) housing associations have agreed to enter into detailed discussions about a potential formal partnership.

Arklet has an annual turnover in the region of £3 million.

It hit the headlines in the Reformer in February after elderly tenants at Maple Tree Court were left without a working lift after a breakdown around the new year.

Just over a year ago the Scottish housing regulator noted “serious weaknesses” at Arklet, and last August the association’s board decided to seek a formal partnership with another housing association.

Arklet and Hanover will now begin the formal process of negotiation, with residents of both organisations to be kept advised throughout.

Iain Wallace, chairman of Arklet Housing Association, said: “We are delighted that we have now entered formal discussions with Hanover Scotland regarding a possible partnership which will improve the range and value of services for our tenants.

“We are particularly grateful to the members of our tenants’ forum who have participated in the selection process.

“We now look forward to the discussions with Hanover Scotland and their team to explore what shape a partnership deal might take and believe this will lead to positive outcomes for our residents.”