Regulator takes action at housing association
Manager appointed
Major enforced changes are now underway at the beleaguered Wishaw and District Housing Association.
The Scottish Housing Regulator has used its statutory powers to appoint a manager and five governing body members to the association.
The Regulator decided to intervene after independent reviews highlighted serious weaknesses in Wishaw and District’s governance, risk management and financial planning which pose a serious risk to tenants’ interests.
Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said: “Clearly, there have been serious issues and it is absolutely vital that the tenants and serviceusers are protected going forward.
“It is deeply worrying that the severity of this situation has resulted in Regulator intervention.”
Labour’s Central Scotland list MSP Richard Leonard added: “The housing regulator has identified that poor financial decisions have been made. It would be wrong to expect tenants or ordinary workers to pay the price for that.”
The changes come weeks after the bitter industrial dispute between management and staff was finally resolved.
Bosses reached an agreement with staff over terms and conditions, bringing a conclusion to a dispute which had resulted in 20 days of strike action.
Housing Association chair Brenda Higgins said: “We are firmly committed to working with the regulator to resolve these issues and develop a clear business plan which addresses the interests of tenants, residents and the wider community.
“With a majority of new board members, there is an opportunity for a fresh start and we are keen to ensure that tenants, residents and staff and fully involved in shaping our future direction.”