The Committee of Management and all the WGHC staff wish you a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
It’s that time of year again
The WGHC office will be closed over the festive period from Wednesday 24th December 2025 through until Monday 5th January 2026.
The current cost of living is a challenge for all of us, but please remember it’s really important to organise the payment of your rent in readiness for this period. If you need to speak to us about paying your rent or if you think you are going to struggle to meet your rent payments, please contact hm@westgrantonhc.co.uk or call 0131 551 5035 beforehand so we can try and help you through this period.
It’s been a challenging year for many tenants, especially, with the cost of living crisis. We recognise that household heating and cooking running costs (gas / electricity) have forced many to make some difficult choices.
If things go wrong
Finally, please remember your neighbours, who are also WGHC tenant members just like you, during the festive break. Loneliness can be one of the most heartbreaking issues during this time of year. We want to know that all our tenant members are warm and safe and we look forward to seeing everyone, safe and well, back in the New Year.
During 2026 we have many plans to implement that were put on hold during 2025. Please keep your eye on the website and within the newsletters we send out to you.
Our out of hours emergency call centre will be able to contact key staff in the event of a serious incident. The 3 main numbers for help whilst the office is closed are:
The main number to call is: 0131 608 1447 – Aquarius Call Centre
If you have a gas emergency: 0131 440 4666 – Lothian Gas
If you have a water emergency: 0800 077 8778 – Scottish Water
Please refer to the WGHC website that will have all the additional relevant emergency call-out information for you.
Post Box Upgrade: Granton Mains Avenue
Royal Mail is rolling out 3,500 new solar-powered post boxes across the UK. Designed to accept small parcels, up to the size of a shoe box, customers can post small parcels by scanning a 2D barcode via the Royal Mail app or directly on the box.
The post box sited at 1 Granton Mains Avenue (EH4 4GA) is part of this upgrade programme. WGHC contacted Royal Mail but they were unable to tell us when the new post box will be back in action. Meanwhile, tenants can use the Post Office at “Sandy’s” Shop or the post box over at the big Morrisons supermarket.
Charging ahead: safeguarding people and property in the era of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming transportation, but they also introduce new safety and infrastructure challenges. When WGHC built its homes, EVs didn’t exist and power supplied to each home was in accordance with building regulations relevant at the time.
Tenant members are reminded that if they wish to install an EV charging point, they should first seek permission from WGHC in accordance with their tenancy agreement requirements. Permission will not be unreasonably withheld. However, a risk assessment is required to ensure a safe and certificated installation alongside some other considerations:
➜ Cables must never cross public pavements or areas adopted by the council
➜ Cables must never be suspended over fences or in any way causing a hazard
➜ EV charging points and cables must be inspected regularly
➜ They must be positioned away from any flammable surfaces
➜ Tenants must engage competent professionals during planning and installation
➜ They should include an isolation switch for emergency service responders
In addition to cars, more and more e-bikes and e-scooters are in use. These don’t require specific charging points in the way in which electric cars do.
Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicles are not more fire prone than other vehicles. However, if the do catch fire, the fire will escalate faster due to battery chemistry and they cannot be put out by water or standard fire extinguishers – specialist firefighting tactics are required.
Tenants are therefore reminded that any e-vehicle charging must be undertaken safely and with someone in attendance at all times. E-vehicles should not be left on charge unattended and should never be charged within common areas, communal stairs or landings. If you wish help or advice, please contact the office on 0131 551 5035
Staffing Update
It’s been a year of change here at WGHC.
➜ Kirsteen (maintenance) retired in September having completed 10 years’ service.
➜ Jiewen (finance) will be retiring in early January having completed 7 years’ service.
The committee, CEO and all WGHC colleagues wish them well in their retirements / future endeavours and thank them for all they did in support of WGHC and all tenants during their time here.
Laura (housing) has now had her contract changed from that of a fixed term to a permanent position and she looks forward to increasing her housing knowledge and assisting all tenants as best she can.
Fiona (finance) will be joining WGHC in early January to undertake a handover from Jiewen and will become the new staff member to undertake this important function (paying contractors / reconciling rent accounts etc.) – We will welcome Fiona and try our best to ensure she settles in quickly to become part of the team.
The future of Council Tax in Scotland
The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) are seeking views on the future of council tax in Scotland.
Council tax is a vital source of funding for local services such as schools, social care, roads, libraries and waste collection. The council tax system has remained largely unchanged since its introduction over 30 years ago.
The consultation forms part of a joint programme of work led by the Scottish Government and COSLA which is seeking to build consensus on reforms to council tax. The aim of the consultation is to gather views from individuals, households, communities, and organisations across Scotland on potential approaches to reform.
The findings from the consultation, together with the wider programme of engagement, will help support informed public debate and further consideration in the Scottish Parliament.
Your views are central to this process. You are encouraged to take part in this consultation and contribute to building consensus on how council tax in Scotland should change in the future. The survey comprises of 8 short pages and should only take 10/15 minutes to complete.
Have your say before the consultation closes on 30 January 2026: https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-andcommunities/the-future-of-council-tax-in-scotland/
Winter is upon us
Although we have an out-of-hours emergency call centre and there is always 1 x WGHC staff member on call for serious incidents, tenant members should know the following to help prevent water damage within your home: DO
Know where your stopcock is and how to turn it off
Check for leaks in your bathroom, kitchen and under the boiler
Contact WGHC for plumbing repair or installation permissions and advice
Contact WGHC to alert us of any leaks, blockages or plumbing problems
Forget to isolate your water supply if you’re going away for long period of time
Discard nappies, wet wipes or cotton buds down the toilet
Undertake bathroom or kitchen alterations without seeking permission
Ignore that dripping tap, or weeping pipe or radiator valve
The WGHC office has a supply of 5kg tubs of salt / grit for use in extreme icy conditions. We’re not there yet – but when it comes, if you need some, contact the office, 0131 551 5035
National research study seeks views from ethnic minority background tenants*
Are you from an ethnic minority background and live in social housing in Scotland?
If so, TIS want to hear from you to help shape an important, national research study that aims to pave the way for a more inclusive future for tenant participation and engagement practices in Scotland.
The Tenants Information Service (TIS), commissioned by The Scottish Government, is leading a national research study which aims to gain a better understanding of the baseline of tenant participation and engagement amongst tenants from ethnic minority backgrounds within the Scottish social housing sector.
If you would like to find out more about this research study or get involved, please contact TIS at info@tis. org.uk or by calling them on 0141 248 1242
*TIS use “ethnic minorities” to refer to all ethnic groups except the White British group. Ethnic minorities include White minorities, such as Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller groups.
£20 voucher provided to everyone who takes part.
Warm Home Discount
The
Warm Home Discount Scheme is open! The Government runs a grant programme in partnership with many of the energy companies called the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The Scheme can provide £150 towards the cost of your electricity if you apply within the timescale and all of the following apply:
➜ Your electricity supplier is part of the scheme.
➜ You are the account holder at your property (if you have not registered with your energy supplier at your home you will not be able to make an application).
➜ You will automatically qualify if you are in receipt of pension credit (but you still need to be registered for the scheme with your current energy supplier).
➜ If you/your partner are in receipt of benefits or tax credits you may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount.
You can usually make an application online, over the phone or by post, you may need to provide evidence of your income or entitlement to benefits.
Home Insurance
Fire,
Flood, Theft, Frost, Accidental Damage: Do you have insurance cover?
WGHC insure all of our properties but as landlord, this only covers the building, fixtures and fittings, windows, external doors and fixed sanitary ware.
It is your responsibility to organise Home Contents Insurance to cover you if something happens to your own property e.g. your furniture, floor coverings, internal decoration and all of your personal belongings.
While many people often hope that nothing will happen, sometimes things can go wrong. Be prepared and make sure you have contents insurance for your personal possessions against loss or damage caused by fire, flood, theft, accident etc.
The money isn’t paid directly to you, if you have a prepayment meter it will be credited to your meter otherwise it will be paid directly to your electricity account and will appear on your bill once awarded. Receiving the Warm Home Discount does not affect the Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payments you may already be entitled to or in receipt of.
If you would like further information about the scheme or require assistance to apply, please contact our office, 0131 551 5035. If you are a Utilita Energy customer, please be aware the scheme with them has already closed for this winter.
Whilst tenants can obtain contents insurance from any insurance provider and its often best to shop around for the best quote that suits your needs, the Thistle Home Contents Insurance Scheme was developed for tenants and residents in social housing and for those who are unable to access home contents insurance through the mainstream market.
If you would like more information about low-cost home insurance options, please contact our office, 0131 551 5035 or Thistle Insurance Direct on: 0345 450 7286
Housing (Scotland) Act, 2025
The Housing Bill has completed its Parliamentary processes and received Royal Assent and is now the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.
As well as the minimum qualifying period for succession having been reduced from twelve to six months at Stage 2, someone who does not wish to succeed to a tenancy can remain in the property from three to six months (during which rent must continue to be paid).
Tenants are advised that even though their existing Tenancy Agreements state different timescales under the previous Housing Acts, the new provisions of this Act will now apply to all our Tenancy Agreements. This is in accordance with Section 1.14 of your Tenancy Agreement which states that:
“This Tenancy Agreement, in parts, attempts to summarise current legislation. In case of conflict between those parts and current legislation, the legislation shall prevail. Where legislation has been amended since this Agreement was entered into, this Agreement shall be read consistently with the amended legislation.”
You can see the act by typing the following URL address into a web browser: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2025/13/contents/enacted
Awaab’s Law in Scotland
Awaab’s Law was introduced in law in England in October this year. The first phase of Awaab’s Law, relating specifically to damp and mould, is due to be introduced in Scotland in March 2026. Scottish Government are still working on guidance, and we will keep you updated in future newsletters, our policies and the WGHC website.
Ring Doorbells
Tenants are reminded that permission should be sought from WGHC to install a Ring doorbell (or other camera enabled doorbell and/or CCTV). Permission will not be unreasonably withheld by WGHC.
A specific recall was issued in November 2020 for the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) due to a fire and burn hazard caused by the battery overheating if incorrect screws are used during installation. If you have used the wrong screws, you should contact Ring for revised installation instructions.
Following some health and safety concerns involving WGHC staff, Committee unanimously approved a minor, but important, change to the Tenancy Management Policy, Section 6.5 (the full policy can be found on the WGHC website) An excerpt is below.
“We recognise the need to adopt different approaches, depending on the specific circumstances of individual cases.
In determining this we will give regard to the nature, frequency, duration of the incidents, the effect on the community and the likelihood of the offending behaviour continuing.
This will help us decide how to allocate our resources and action a proportionate response e.g. telephone contact or face to face contact, a letter, meeting in the office, or a joint visit with an external agency.
Rent Consultation – Coming Policy Change
JustTo minimise potential risks to our staff all meetings will be expected to take place within the WGHC Office, unless a home visit is required. Home visits should be considered only where necessary or required. Whilst most home visits should be planned, there may be occasions when an unannounced visit may be warranted, and in such cases our Lone Working Arrangements will apply. However, it will be routinely expected that Home Visits will be attended by two WGHC Staff Members. Where a Home Visit presents a known risk to Staff, a Risk Assessment will also be required to be recorded as part of the decision.”
a gentle reminder that rents are likely to increase with effect from Monday 6th April 2026. As ever, we try and keep are rents as affordable as possible and are usually within the three lowest rents in the Edinburgh catchment area of some 17 different landlords.
The consultation will come to all WGHC tenants by the beginning of February 2026 – please take a moment to respond as your views and opinions count.
Re-introduction of kitchen / bathroom replacements
WGHC tenants will be aware that we had to make the difficult decision to postpone some planned component replacements (kitchens, bathrooms, windows etc.) whilst we were in ‘limbo’ over the cladding remediation issue we have over the Forth Quarter flats.
After much campaigning, we have finally received news that we should be financially able to proceed with the remediation works over the coming 2 / 3 years with assistance from Scottish Government and joint working with the Wheatley Group (who also own 45 of the flats affected).
This means we should be in a position to re-introduce our plans for component replacement programmes
(kitchens, bathrooms, windows etc.). Once approved by our financial agent and committee, we can publish our proposed 5 year plan on the website and within a further newsletter. We thank all affected tenants for their patience during this unsettled time.
t 0131 551 5035
e mail@westgrantonhc.co.uk
w www.westgrantonhousing.coop
Out-of-office emergencies: 0131 608 1447
It’s Christmas – get your colouring pens out
We all know that everything today is “electronic” – laptops, i-pads, mobile phones, games consoles, on demand TV and streaming services. Take a break from the electronics – get your colouring pens out and relax in an ‘analogue’ way… like the Christmases of old.
Your Committee
Your Committee work tirelessly in the best interests of all tenants, your homes and the wider WGHC estate in general. We have 9 x fully elected members and 1 x co-opted member.
Minutes of Committee meetings are published on our website and can be found here: https://www.westgrantonhousing.coop/about-wghc/ work-of-the-committee/
Please take the time to look and see the work and effort that Committee members and WGHC staff take in support of all WGHC tenants.
Your Committee members are: Colin Fraser (Chair)
• Lynn Jameson (Vice Chair) • Amanda Aitchison • Jim Hemphill • Alan Lamont • Cheryl Miller (co-optee)
• Morag Orr • Liz Robertson • Elizabeth Stewart • George Thomson
We have 2 positions available on the Committee for co-optees, until the next round of elections in September 2026.
If you are interested in a position on the Committee and want to have a say in your local community, please contact Larke Adger, CEO or David Mills, COO – either of whom, will be delighted to help you. Please feel free to call on 0131 551 5035.