One of the founding members of a social landlord has criticised the organisation over increased costs to tenants.
John Dowson, who was Loreburn Housing Association’s first chairman in 1981, believes it has failed tenants with a series of increased charges.
Last week a Dumfries resident contacted The Standard to complain that their weekly bill had shot up 16 per cent, costing them £677 a year.
One of the biggest jumps was a rise from £3.60 to £10.36 per week for communal cleaning.
Mr Dowson, who resigned from the landlord’s committee recently, said: “I believe what Loreburn has done with regards to increases is against their policy of achieving value for money for their tenants.
“Previously communal areas were cleaned by small local contractors across the region.
“Loreburn had difficulties with them and decided to put it into a region-wide contract and as a result could only tender to bigger companies.
“My understanding is they went out to six companies and only one returned which is from the central belt. Loreburn then distributed that price of the contract onto those that have communal cleaning.
“To jump from a little more than £3 to more than £10 is contrary to their policy of achieving value for money for their tenants which they have a duty to do. I believe they made a big mistake in going to tender.”
Following The Standard story last week residents received a survey form from Loreburn asking them about communal cleaning and for any other feedback.
Mr Dowson, a former leader of the council, said: “I don’t think that’s good enough. They should be sending an officer out to each tenant that’s been impacted. They’re saying to them now give us their feedback. What about pro-actively talking to tenants? They send out survey forms and 85 per cent of people don’t respond. That’s them sitting back saying: ‘Ah well we sent out a form’.
“In my opinion they’re not showing any genuine interest in the welfare of their tenants.
“This is one of the reasons I resigned from the committee on January 19.
Russell Brown, Convenor of Loreburn Housing Association said: "In the current economic climate we have given any increase particularly careful consideration and have undertaken a thorough and rigorous procurement process.
"We are always very mindful of serving our tenants most effectively and have a commitment to value for money and affordability which includes a plan to manage out service charges, but that takes time.
"We will consult with tenants and encourage them to participate throughout this process. In the meantime, if any tenants are struggling financially, we would request they get in touch with us directly.”
