News Item

01-10-2007

AGM

The Hebridean Housing Partnership held its first Annual General Meeting on Thursday 20th September 2007.

At a very well attended meeting at the Partnership’s Office at Gleann Seileach Business Park, Stornoway the interim Chair Hamish Fraser expressed satisfaction with what has been achieved during what has been a very challenging year since the housing stock has been transferred from Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar.

Hamish Fraser said “Work is underway to meet our ballot promises. In particular rents for 2007/08 have been set in accordance with our Business Plan pledge and our new build programme is exceeding Business Plan projections. After a slow start the improvement programmes are up and running and within budget. Tenant’s rent money is being invested to make significant improvements to houses rather than servicing debt as was the case before Stock Transfer”.

There was a real sense of occasion at the Partnership’s first AGM with elections taking place for two Community Board Members and one Lewis Tenant Board Member. The high level of interest in serving on the Board is very encouraging for the Board and staff of HHP. The Community Member places attracted five candidates from across the Western Isles. The successful candidates were George Lonie a former Comhairle representative on the Board and George Banks formerly Chair of Muirneag Housing Association. Muirneag transferred its stock to HHP earlier this year.

In the Lewis Tenant category four candidates stood for election with Kevin Paul Paterson achieving the most votes.

George Lonie was subsequently elected Chair of HHP at the General Meeting following the Annual General Meeting. Councillor David Blaney was elected Vice Chair. Speaking after the meeting George Lonie thanked his fellow Board Members for their support adding “we shall build on the good work done by HHP in our first year and strive to continue improving services and increasing the level of housing investment across the communities of the Western Isles”.