4 days ago
Glasgow housing association secured over £500k for tenants
Ardenglen Housing Association's in-house financial inclusion team has helped 341 households in Castlemilk access unclaimed benefits, delivering an average income boost of £1,524 per home.
Suzanne Casey, director of customer services at Ardenglen, said: "The additional resource of the financial inclusion officer, along with two funded posts, has been instrumental in supporting our customers through the cost of living crisis.
"The financial gains achieved and the positive feedback received from customers speak for themselves."
Read more: Scotland's hidden debt crisis 'leaving people isolated and afraid'
The service was previously delivered in partnership with Money Matters, but rising demand during the cost of living crisis led Ardenglen to expand the team and take the service in-house last year.
Its current team includes a full-time financial inclusion officer, a part-time energy advisor, and a full-time financial and digital inclusion worker.
Ardenglen manages around 1,000 homes in the south Glasgow estate.
In addition to helping tenants access benefits, the team supported 26 individuals to engage with the Debt Arrangement Scheme, helping them manage arrears and protect their assets.
Read more: Met the Glasgow teacher preparing to trek 50km along Great Wall of China
Ardenglen also launched a partnership with The Furnishing Service to provide vulnerable and new tenants with essential white goods.
The scheme aims to reduce the risk of tenancy failure and support those in crisis.
Energy advice has been another key area of support, with 274 tenants receiving help to manage bills, avoid disconnection, and resolve complaints.
Suzanne said: "With energy prices continuing to take a significant chunk of household income, we were delighted to be able to increase the level of support we can offer local people to help them keep bills down."
