HOUSING
PERKS and Save Money with Major Retailers
Have you heard about Housing Perks?
It’s a FREE money saving app designed specifically for social housing tenants. The app offers you the opportunity to save money on a wide range of everyday essentials, helping to make life a little easier and more affordable.
With Housing Perks, you can save money with hundreds of participating national retailers:
Supermarkets such as Tesco, ASDA, ALDI, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S.
• Fashion from TK Maxx, ASOS, H&M, Foot Locker, Debenhams and more!
Food & drink from Nando’s, Starbucks, Greggs, Just Eat, Pizza Hut, Wagamama and several others.
• Homeware, gifts and electronics from stores including Currys, IKEA, John Lewis, Argos and Amazon.
• Experiences from Odeon, Cineworld, Ticketmaster, Go Ape, the National Trust and more.
Travel with AirBnB, Uber, Eurostar, Hotels.com and Lastminute.com
We will be extending this benefit to our factored owners and mid market rent tenants shortly so that these great savings are available to all our customers.
We’re delighted to have teamed up with Housing Perks to make these savings available to our customers. It’s easy to get started:
1. Download the Housing Perks app for free to your device from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Make sure you select Maryhill Housing from the list of housing providers when you’re signing up.
3. Remember to include your tenancy reference number when registering. You can find this on your rent statement or by contacting our Customer Contact Team via enquiries@maryhill.org.uk
4. You can download the app on up to 4 devices so that others in your household can save too
You can also find out more on our website at https://www.maryhill.org. uk/news-and-events/ housing-perks
Customer Satisfaction Survey 2024
1,182 tenants (40.4%) responded to the survey
Overall Service
During August to October 2024, Maryhill Housing tenants were contacted to take part in our Customer Satisfaction Survey.
The survey was carried out by telephone and online by an independent market research company, Knowledge Partnership.
The survey focussed on how happy customers are with the way Maryhill Housing Association (MHA) maintains their homes and delivers key services. It also collected responses to key questions MHA is required to ask by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
74.5% of tenants who responded said that they were satisfied with the service provided by Maryhill Housing.
This demonstrates a small improvement in overall satisfaction when compared to the last survey carried out in 2021 where 73.6% of tenants stated they were satisfied with the service.
Tenants would like to see the Association responding promptly to calls and calling back when we say we will, as well as proactively keeping them up to date if there is an ongoing issue or concern.
Tenants felt that staff, in particular, housing and property staff, were not as visible as they used to be and therefore were not always of aware of issues or concerns in their areas. Tenants also noted that, on some occasions, staff may not have been as helpful as they could have been.
Customers also told us about when we get service delivery right and felt that generally when contacting our Customer Contact Team, the team provided a great service. Our onsite Neighbourhood team and Retirement Housing Officers were also seen to be providing a brilliant service. Overall, there were positive comments about our teams providing a great service and tenants feeling supported.
The feedback gathered in this survey provides MHA with important information on which areas need to be prioritised and focused on in order to improve customer satifaction for tenants and owners.
A big thank you to everyone who took part!
Communications and Customer Engagements
81.2% of tenants said they were happy with being kept informed about decisions and services.
Whilst 68.3% of tenants were satisfied with opportunities to participate in decision making.
Tenants wanted to see MHA widening opportunities to participate in decision making and giving tenants confidence that any feedback received is acted upon.
Quality of the home
68% of tenants were happy with the quality of their home.
This shows a drop in satisfaction compared to the previous survey carried out in 2021 where 76% of tenants were happy with the quality of the home.
Tenants were keen to see more investment in their homes and noted windows, kitchens and bathrooms in particular. Damp and mould was highlighted as an issue, along with insulation and draught proofing and the cost of heating homes.
NEWS & UPDATES
Repairs Service
75% of tenants said they were happy with the repairs service.
This shows a slight improvement compared to the previous 2021 survey where 71% of tenants were happy with the service. Tenants noted that delays in completing works, particularly more complex jobs, often took too long and communication regarding these works was poor. Customers also stated that the standard of some repairs needed to improve.
The Neighbourhood
65.5% of tenants were happy with the maintenance of their neighbourhood.
This shows a drop in satisfaction from 71% in 2021. The main concern for tenants was the upkeep of communal areas, e.g., closes and back courts. Concerns were raised about vermin in the area, particularly rats. Anti-social behaviour was also raised as in issue which impacted on neighbourhoods in general.
Value for Money
63.5% of tenants thought that the rent provided value for money.
This has reduced compared to the 2021 result of 69%. Concerns were raised about the level of increase. This was linked to some areas of poor delivery, such as customer service and repairs.
Next Steps
Maryhill Housing appreciates the time everyone took to complete the survey. It is important that through your feedback, we understand the services that work well and those we know that can, and should, be improved.
Throughout this newsletter, you will see articles on services we are changing or introducing to start to address some of the feedback you have provided.
We are developing an action plan to address your concerns and will let you know when this is available. We may also contact you to understand some areas of concern in further detail, to get your feedback on new services or initiatives introduced, or to invite you to a feedback event.
Owners and Mid Market Rent
215 owners (33%) responded to the survey.
53.5% of owners were satisfied with the service, which is similar to the level of satisfaction reported in 2021.
Owners have stated that they would like to see improved communication and consultation where common area works are required to ensure that value for money is considered. In addition, they would like bills that are easier to understand and the opportunity to discuss bills promptly where there are queries.
14 mid-market rent (MMR) tenants (53.8%) responded to the survey.
71.4% of tenants were satisfied with the service provided by Maryhill Housing Association on behalf of Maryhill Living.
This is a relatively new service that the Association has undertaken. The key themes from the survey are that further information about being a private rented sector tenant should be provided, which sets out the differences between being a social housing tenant and a private sector tenant. Additional information should be provided about services that the MMR tenants can access through Maryhill Housing.
Outstanding defects at the Locks View development were also stated as an ongoing issue.
Close Cleaning and Landscaping Services
Our current contracts to clean the common closes, maintain back courts and carry out gardening services are due to expire this year.
We have used some of the feedback provided in the Customer Satisfaction Survey to shape how the services will be delivered in the future. We’ve also appointed a Neighbourhood Services Manager whose responsibility will be to monitor our close cleaning and landscaping contracts to ensure that we meet our customers’ expectations and deliver great services.
INTRODUCING MARYHILL HELPS
various support services and community initiatives on offer from the Association, recent findings from our Customer Satisfaction Survey revealed that some tenants and also owners and mid-market rent tenants were not as familiar with some of the support that was on offer to them.
With this in mind, Maryhill Housing Association is delighted to launch our Maryhill Helps brand. This includes many of the services our customers already make use of, such as financial support, energy advice and various community regeneration initiatives such as
customers to develop new skills. Our work with groups such as YoMo and North United Communities is also part of this initiative.
Housing Perks, which you’ll have read about on the cover of this issue, is the latest addition to Maryhill Helps and can help our customers unlock considerable savings on a variety of everyday purchases.
Check out the dedicated Maryhill Helps section at the back of this issue to find out more about projects we’ve delivered lately and some of the support we can provide.
Maryhill Housing and Queens Cross Housing Association jointly appoint close cleaning contractor
We want our tenants to live in well managed and maintained housing while providing an attractive, safe, clean and tidy environment.
We are therefore delighted to announce that CAS Contract Cleaning will be providing a weekly close cleaning service to
our tenants from summer 2025. This will be an improved service to the one currently provided because we have included more specific instructions about the cleaning of the back courts and bin stores. The new contract will now require the close cleaners to sweep all back courts on a weekly basis including the bin stores which will also be jet washed on a weekly basis.
This project has been delivered through partnership working between Queens Cross (QCHA) and Maryhill Housing
Associations.
This joint approach to appointing the close cleaning contract with CAS follows on the success of the joint project with QCHA of Find My Home, which has given housing applicants through both housing associations easier access to a wider choice of homes across north-west Glasgow.
We are excited to build on our existing relationship with QCHA as we work together to improve our service offer to tenants and will achieve.
Our 2025/26 Rent Increase Consultation
Every year, we consult our tenants on the rent we propose to set from April of the following year and review our financial plans.
We need to increase our rents each year so that we can continue to invest in maintaining and improving our homes, both now and in the future. The Association must manage increasing costs to deliver services and maintain homes. To do this, we need to make sure we have enough money to cover costs such as supplies, materials, repairs costs, investment plans and staff costs.
In October 2024, our Board agreed to consult with tenants on a two rent increase options from April 2025 – 5.0% and 5.5%.
Listening to you
During November and December 2024, we wrote to all tenants to inform them of the rent increase proposals and to find out which option they would prefer. Your views are important to us, so thank you to everyone who took part and provided feedback. The rent increase consultation ended on Tuesday 14th January and we received 309 responses, with 87% of the tenants that participated supporting the 5% rent increase.
Keeping rent affordable
We understand that the last year has been challenging, and we know that some tenants have limited income to pay bills, buy food and may face other cost pressures. Taking this into account and the feedback from the consultation, we are increasing rents by 5%. This is due to several of our main costs having risen by above inflation. These costs include reactive and major repairs, property insurance and gas/electricity.
Our 2025/26 business plan also includes increased budgets for improvements to homes, environmental improvements in our estates, treating damp and mould issues, upgrading IT equipment and software, and new staff posts to improve the service we provide to customers. These were all areas that
were highlighted as priorities in our 2024 customer satisfaction survey.
We remain committed to supporting tenants who are facing financial difficulties.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. We understand that tenants are facing cost of living pressures while managing their money and paying bills. It is important to the Association that your voice is heard as it allows us to inform the Board of tenant feedback and better understand your needs.
How will this affect you?
From 1st April 2025, our rents will go up by 5% for our social housing tenants.
For Maryhill Housing Association tenants, this will mean an average increase of around £4.78 per week, depending upon the type and size of property that you live in.
The increase means that we can continue to keep rents affordable, deliver an effective repairs and maintenance service, and invest in our homes so that they meet the required standards and keep areas clean and tidy.
We are here to help
If you have any queries about paying your rent, please get in touch with your housing officer.
Our Financial Support Team (FST) can also offer a helping hand when it comes to your finances. The FST can complete benefit maximisation and benefit checks, help with paperwork to apply for benefits, help with Adult Disability Payment, Employment Support Allowance and Attendance Allowance forms.
The Financial Support Team can be contacted by phoning 0141 946 2466 during office hours or via email fst@maryhill.org.uk
Our New Reactive Repairs Contract
Our current reactive repairs contract with Everwarm is due to end on 30 September 2025 and we wanted to let you know that we have started the process to have a new reactive repairs contract in place by 1 October 2025.
We understand that customers would like to see the reactive repairs service improve and we have used the feedback provided in the Customer Satisfaction Survey to introduce some changes to the way the new contract is delivered.
Some of the improvements we want to introduce include more options around appointment times for repairs to be carried out, improved communication for customers who are having complex or major repair works carried out and an improved process to obtain customer satisfaction feedback on repairs.
We wanted your feedback on the improvements being proposed. Officers held a meeting with members of various RTOs to gather valuable feedback regarding the proposed improvements on key processes for the new reactive repairs contract.
Both the officers and members agreed that the session was highly productive and expressed support for the Association’s proposals.
We recently issued a survey to all customers to gather their views on the key improvements of the new contract.
The feedback received from RTOs and customers has been invaluable and will be used to shape how the service is delivered when the new contract starts.
We will provide you with an update on the progress of the new contract in our summer newsletter.
You Said, We Did!
You said: Complaints are being closed without fully resolving the issue.
We did: Staff training has been provided to ensure complaints are only marked as resolved once tenants confirm the issue has been properly addressed.
You said: Plumbing issues remain unresolved despite multiple visits.
We did:
We’ve implemented a process to ensure persistent issues are escalated to contractors for further investigation and recalled if not completed correctly. This will improve communication and prevent delays caused by conflicting diagnosis of plumbing issues.
You said:
Repairs take too long to be addressed, and even when attended to, they are not done to a satisfactory standard.
We did:
We continue to work with our contractors to improve response times and ensure high-quality completion of work. Monthly performance reviews are in place to hold contractors accountable for delays and incomplete repairs.
Maryhill Housing Makes Two Key Appointments for Service Improvement
Neighbourhood Services Manager –Kirsty Gillespie
We are excited to announce the appointment of Kirsty Gillespie as our new Neighbourhood Services Manager. In this newly created role, Kirsty will lead the Neighbourhood team based at Glenavon, working to ensure that we continue to deliver high-quality neighbourhood services.
Damp and Mould Officer – Michael Rice
We are pleased to welcome Michael Rice as our new Damp and Mould Officer. In this important role, Michael will focus on tackling issues related to damp and mould across our properties, ensuring that we address any concerns quickly and effectively.
Kirsty will also be responsible for managing key contracts, such as close cleaning and landscape maintenance. With a strong focus on maintaining high standards and achieving excellent customer satisfaction, Kirsty will play a pivotal role in enhancing the services we provide.
Some of Kirsty’s key objectives include improving communication with our customers, ensuring that contractors consistently meet our high expectations, and helping to create a community that our customers can be proud to call home.
Michael’s role involves providing support to tenants who are experiencing damp and mould problems, carrying out assessments, and implementing the best solutions to prevent further issues. He will work closely with contractors to ensure that any necessary repairs are carried out promptly and to a high standard.
In addition to resolving existing problems, Michael will also work on preventative measures to reduce the risk of damp and mould developing in the future. His expertise will be invaluable in helping to create healthier living environments for our tenants.
If you have a problem with damp and mould in your property, please call our friendly Customer Contact Team on 0141 946 2466 to arrange an appointment.
In Memory of Joseph Dick
The Association was sorry to hear that long standing resident and former Maryhill Housing Association committee member, Mr Joseph Dick, passed away on 12th February aged 89.
The family asked us to share the news of his passing in our newsletter.
Mr Dick had lived in Leyden Gardens since 1958, and he and his late wife Helen were shareholding members of the Association since 1980.
Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
Calling All Tenants – Do you want to help tackle issues in your local area?
Maryhill Housing Association wants to bring people together in identifying, prioritising and being part of the solution to some of the issues within their local area.
Our customer satisfaction survey has given us a clear idea of what we already do well, as well as some things that we could do differently, or better, and it would be great to discuss our ideas and plans with interested tenants who live within the communities that we serve.
Registered Tenants Organisations (RTO) are made of local volunteers who come together to promote the interests of tenants and residents in their areas.
We have also received some feedback from tenants living in and around the North Maryhill areas including Cadder, Mini multis, Lochburn, Glenburn, Cottar, Thornton and Knowetap areas including the wider Gilshochill area that they would like to see a new RTO set up for North Maryhill.
We would like to encourage and support the formation of an RTO for this area.
There are RTOS in the following areas already: RTO Areas covered
Glenavon RTO 29, 71, 115 Glenavon Road
Cumlodden RTO Cumlodden Estate
East Park RTO Amisfield Street, Bilsland Drive (No’s 3 and 13), Craigmont Drive, Garrioch Road (No.147), Leyden Gardens, Leyden Street, Maryhill Road (No’s 970 – 1034), Sandfield Street, Stratford Street, Shakespeare Street, Hathaway Lane and the Oran area
Burgh Halls Shiskine Place
If you and your neighbours are interested in joining an existing RTO, or setting up a new RTO, or just want to find out more about being involved, please contact Jennifer Simon, Director of Operations on Jsimon@ maryhill.org.uk or by telephone 0141 946 2466.
Maryhill Locks Caretaker Pilot
Keeping our communities looking good is something that is important to both us and our customers. Our Estate Caretaking Team deal with a wide variety of environmental issues including grass cutting, weeding, graffiti removal and small painting projects.
On 4th July 2022, we launched an Estate Caretaking Pilot at the Cumlodden Estate. This followed consultation with residents where a need for this service was established. Following the success of this pilot and a permanent service being established, we are looking to expand it and launch a pilot at the Maryhill Locks estate.
The pilot at Maryhill Locks will last for a period of 6 months and a consultation with residents will be
carried out in November 2025 in relation to the service. This is to obtain feedback and consult on the costs to continue the service beyond the pilot period.
A letter will be issued to all residents in April 2025 with information about the service, what tasks will be undertaken and when the pilot will start.
If you have any concerns in relation to this pilot at Maryhill Locks, please let us know by calling us on 0141 946 2466 or emailing enquiries@maryhill. org.uk
Lifts at Glenavon Road
The lift control replacement project at Glenavon Road has been delayed due to an issue with sourcing the correct parts . We understand this may be frustrating and apologise for any inconvenience caused. At this stage, we do not have a confirmed timescale for when the work will take place, but please be assured that we are working closely with the contractor to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
We will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions regarding the project, please email our Investment Manager, Tolu Falade, at tfalade@maryhill.org.uk.
Join Our Scrutiny Panel and Help Improve Our Services External Painting
Calling all tenants! Do you have some time to spare?
The Maryhill Housing Scrutiny Panel is looking for additional panel members.
We are interested in hearing from Maryhill Housing tenants who would like to be part of driving forward improved services. We want the best possible services for everyone.
Meetings are currently monthly and take place at Maryhill Housing Association’s office at 45 Garrioch Road, usually on the first Thursday of the month from 2pm – 4pm.
This is an exciting time to get involved. We are seeking new members to help improve the
We are pleased to confirm that Bell Group has been appointed as the contractor for our external painting programme. Work will commence following consultation with owners. The Association will provide updates in due course, including a detailed programme outlining when each block is scheduled for painting.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we undertake this painting work. If you have any questions regarding the programme, please email Ade Oderinde, Trainee Investment Project Manager, at aoderinde@maryhill.org.uk.
effectiveness of the group, to share their views and vision, and to work with us to influence positive change.
If you are interested in looking at how services are delivered, and want to be part of improving them, we’d love to hear from you. We are happy to welcome potential members along as observers initially, before becoming a member.
You can contact our Corporate Officer, Stephanie Ritchie, at corporatesupport@maryhill.org.uk to find out more about the group, or to let us know that you’re interested in coming to the next Scrutiny Panel meeting.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Kids Easter Colouring Competition
Colour in this picture and return it to us to be in with the chance of winning one of our Easter prizes!
You can bring your completed picture into our office at 45 Garrioch Road, G20 8RG, or take a picture of it and send it to corporatesupport@maryhill.org.uk
Name:
Address:
The competition closes at 5pm on Wednesday 23 April. All entries must be received by then to be considered.
Age:
EASTER EASTER
EASTER EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA EGGSTRAVAGANZA
Live DJ Activities
Goody Bags
Balloon Artist
Face Painting
Meet the Easter Bunny
Thursday 17 April, 2pm to 5pm th
The Mackintosh Halls, 15-17 Shakespeare Street
All children must be accompanied by an adult
Find Us on Facebook!
Did you know that one of the best ways to keep up to date with the latest Maryhill Housing news is through our Facebook page?
partner organisations, such as YoMo and North United Communities.
Along with news articles that can also be found on our website (www.maryhill.org.uk), our Facebook page is also the place to go to for the latest updates on what’s going on in the community and with many of our
All children must be accompanied by an adult
It’s quick and easy to stay connected with the Association – find us on Facebook @MaryhillHousing and give us a like or a follow to get the latest customer updates straight to your feed.
Introducing an Owners’ Forum
We are pleased to announce the launch of an Owners’ Forum, designed to give our factored owners a dedicated space to raise concerns, ask questions, and engage in discussions about the management of their buildings. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to improving communication and transparency with owners.
What Will the Forum Cover?
Each meeting will have a set agenda to ensure discussions remain focused and productive. Topics may include:
• Repairs & Maintenance Updates – Updates on ongoing and planned maintenance work, response times, and priorities.
• Service Charges & Billing – Explanation of charges, upcoming changes, and opportunities for owners to ask questions.
• Major Repairs & Investments – Discussions on potential major repairs, funding opportunities, and long-term planning.
• Legal & Compliance Matters – Updates on property regulations, safety requirements, and owners’ responsibilities.
• Future Meeting Topics – Owners will have the opportunity to suggest discussion points for future forums.
Why Attend?
This forum is your chance to have a direct say in how your property is managed. Your feedback helps us shape policies, prioritise repairs, and ensure that our services meet your needs.
How to Get Involved
We plan to have the meeting every three months, after the common charges are issued. Our first Owners’ Forum will take place in May and to give us an idea of numbers we request that you please let us know by 30th April 2025 if you’re interested in attending. As always, please contact factoring@maryhill.org.uk or phone 0141 946 2466 to confirm.
We will provide the time, date and location of the first meeting closer to the date through social media, in the covering letter with your next common charges’ invoice and through any other appropriate form of communication.
If you have questions or topics that you’d like us to address, please send them to us in advance.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to enhance the management of your property.
Maryhill Helps is proud to have supported 234 families over the festive period. Parents received a shopping voucher for each child to buy a gift to open on Christmas Day. The total value of vouchers issued was £8,940. We received amazing feedback from the families:
Save Money on Food at The Base Pantry Supporting Families
“Thank you so much. I am extremely grateful for your help and support, especially at this time of year. What an amazing team you are. These vouchers will be used to give my kids a great Xmas and festive meal.”
“Many thanks for this. I am beyond grateful”
“Thank you Maryhill Helps and contractors.”
“Appreciate all your efforts and thank you ever so much. Have a lovely Christmas`”
We would like to say a huge thank you to our contractors who donated towards the scheme including Ardmore Point, JMP Surveyors, MHR Global, Oberlanders Group and Wright Kerr. Five larger families were also supported with vouchers from The Glasgow Care Foundation, which is a charity that supports families in Glasgow.
The Base Pantry is a community shop that provides access to discounted groceries to members. It is a cheap alternative to buying items at supermarkets.
Membership is open to everyone. There’s a joining fee of £1.00 and it costs £3.50 for each shop for a minimum of ten items. The value of the shop equates to over £20. Members get to choose from a selection of fresh, chilled, and frozen food.
The Base Pantry also has free condoms, child smile (free toothbrush & toothpaste) and period products.
Who runs the pantry?
The Pantry is run by YoMo (Young Movers), a charity which provides services across the north
east and north west of Glasgow. Their vision is to empower people to shape their future by shaping their community. Volunteers from the local community help run the pantry.
Opening times
Tuesday 10am to 12pm / Thursday 4pm to 6pm
Where is the Pantry?
The Base, 127 Glenavon Road, Glasgow, G20 0HS
Voucher Support
In the last year, we have helped 642 households with energy and food vouchers to support them during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
If you are struggling financially, please contact us on 0141 946 2466 to check if you qualify for support.
We are a community partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books to children, free of charge.
What is it?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a 60-volume set of books for children aged 0-5. Each month, a new, carefully selected book in your child’s name will be delivered directly to your home. Best of all – it’s
Digital Skills Classes
Enable Works is a charity which supports people who are facing barriers to employment. They have been delivering their One Digital course at our Community Hub three times a week.
This comprehensive digital skills course teaches foundational digital tools for both personal and professional use.
completely free! There is no cost or obligation to you or your family.
Who is eligible?
The scheme is open to the children of all Maryhill Housing customers, provided the children are under 5 years old.
How to register
To register, please call us on 0141 946 2466 or email comreg@maryhill.org.uk
Participants have been gaining digital confidence, learning how to navigate digital spaces safely, and search for jobs using online tools. They will earn an accredited qualification on completion of the course.
Follow us on Facebook to keep an eye out for forthcoming classes and events.
Our Customer Kitty
Our Customer Kitty continues to help families and students. Originally launched in 2017 to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, the Customer Kitty provides grants of up to £250 for a variety of things that might otherwise be unaffordable.
In the last year, the Customer Kitty has helped 163 households with a variety of things including:
• Vouchers for children’s clothing
• Vouchers for family activities such as bowling and the cinema
• Book tokens for children with additional support needs
• Chromebooks and travel vouchers for students
We’re received amazing feedback from families:
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate it and it will help me a lot. Thanks again.”
“Thanks a lot for all of your support. I’m very grateful to your team and it is much appreciated.”
“Thank you much indeed for your help and support.”
If you are interested in applying, keep an eye on our social media for an update on the next application opening date.
Managed Migration is the process the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is using to transfer people to Universal Credit from the old (legacy) benefit system (i.e. Tax Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support).
If affected, you will receive a letter called a ‘migration notice’ when it is your time to change benefits. You will then have 3 months to make a claim for Universal Credit.
If you do not claim Universal Credit before the deadline your existing benefits will stop, and you may lose out on money when you do claim Universal Credit.
The DWP has promised that no one will be worse off when they transfer to Universal Credit. This is being
Managed Migration to Universal Credit Our Financial Support Team
If you need help with budgeting, benefits and maximising your income, our Financial Support Team is available to help.
We can help you complete welfare application forms and provide advice in a way that is easy to understand.
Our Financial Support Team also provide a free benefit appeal representation service for tenants.
Our experienced and professional team will let you know what to expect at an appeal and help you prepare and submit any paperwork to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
To arrange an appointment, please speak to your housing officer or email fst@maryhill.org.uk
called transitional protection. You will also receive a 2-week run on of existing benefits (apart from Tax Credits).
Universal Credit is paid monthly (including help with rent), starting 5 weeks after a claim has been made.
In Scotland, claimants can request to have their Housing Costs (this is money to cover rent) paid directly to their landlord and have their monthly Universal Credit split into 2 payments.
Further information on Migration to Universal Credit can be found at https://ucmove.campaign.gov.uk/
If you would like any help or advice on this, please contact Maryhill Housing on 0141 946 2466
Financial Support Team Customer Testimonial
“I would like to thank Maryhill Housing for the services you have provided over the 58 years I have stayed at my address. Both my wife and I are totally grateful.
Your staff are always pleasant and very helpful over the phone, and it is a nice experience when attending your office as the good service continues there.
Your Financial Inclusion Officer, Ryan, is the main reason I'm sending this email. I thank that man to the moon and back.
What can I say, the good man has transformed our lives for the better – his professionalism and manners are a breath of fresh air. He truly is a very caring, helpful and thoughtful person. He has helped us on many occasions with advice and forms, and he made our transfer to UC a simple process. Ryan sorted it within no time at all.”
Energy Advice
Our Energy Team have been busy during February and March helping support residents at our Retirement Housing complexes in Shiskine Place and Oran Place with Energy Drop In Sessions. Residents were provided with general energy advice, help with switching to cheaper tariffs, grants, Warm Home Discounts, smart meter advice and assisting with raising complaints with energy suppliers.
We will be doing some more drop-in sessions in other locations to support our residents with electric heating systems. Look out for information on future drop-in sessions at our Community Hub at Glenavon where the Energy Team will be supporting
residents with the upcoming RTS meter switch off. They will also provide information on specialist energy tariffs that you can access if you have an Air Source Heat Pump heating system or High Heat Retention Storage Heaters in your home.
For any concerns or help with your energy supply, eg bills, tariffs etc r, we provide a weekly energy advice drop-in service at our Garrioch Road office. These sessions take place every Friday morning between 09:00 and 12:00, where you can pop in and have a chat with an Energy Advisor.
If you would prefer to have an appointment with one of Energy Advisors , you can call us on 0141 946 2466 or email energy@maryhill.org.uk
Festive Events
We were delighted to support local children and families over the festive period. We funded a performance of The Wizard of Oz by Halo Arts at Highpark Primary School and gave 70 tickets for families to attend a performance at Maryhill Community Central Halls. We also donated 30 tickets to our community partners to distribute to families. Every child received a selection box to enjoy during the show.
Our staff also helped out at the Young Movers (YoMo) Christmas Party at the Ledgowan Hall. We donated selection boxes, colouring books and pens which the children got when they met Santa.
We also donated 120 selection boxes to youth groups in the community, including the G20 Youth Project and North United Communities (NUC).
