Loreburn Housing Association has submitted feedback on the Council’s 2025-26 budget, highlighting concerns over housing funding, cuts to essential services, and the impact on vulnerable groups. The full response is below.
Loreburn Housing Association’s Response to the Council’s 2025-26 Budget Consultation
Loreburn Housing Association has reviewed the Council’s 2025-26 budget proposals and shared feedback on key issues that may impact local communities, particularly vulnerable groups. As a community-based organisation, Loreburn emphasises the importance of direct communication with stakeholders like themselves and suggests:
1. Improved Stakeholder Engagement: Loreburn requests inclusion in official consultation mailing lists and proposes regular meetings between the Council and key stakeholders to discuss budget issues and community impact.
2. Transparency in Housing Budget: The Association seeks clarification on housing funding within the Council’s budget and urges a commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis.
3. Support for Vulnerable Populations: Concerns are raised about how budget cuts might affect vulnerable groups, including those facing poverty, mental health issues, and social isolation.
Loreburn advocates for a vulnerability assessment and calls for the protection of essential community services.
4. Impact of Budget Proposals:
- Tackling Poverty and Inequality: Loreburn calls for alternative funding options to continue anti-poverty initiatives.
- Closure of Leisure and Community Facilities: The potential closure of leisure facilities and community spaces could harm residents’ health and social well-being. Loreburn encourages the Council to explore alternative solutions, including partnerships with local providers.
- Youth Services: Reductions in youth services may have long-term social consequences. Loreburn suggests exploring alternative funding models and strengthening partnerships with youth organisations.
- Waste Collection: Proposed reductions in bin collections could impact waste management, especially in communal housing areas. Loreburn recommends larger or additional bins to ensure effective waste disposal.
5. Windfarm Revenues for Community Regeneration: Loreburn proposes that windfarm revenues be allocated to support community regeneration, housing, and services, particularly in areas hit hardest by budget cuts.
Loreburn urges the Council to consider the impact of these budget proposals on local communities and work with housing associations to protect vulnerable residents. The Association is committed to continuing engagement to ensure that the needs of its tenants are prioritised in the budget planning process. For further information or updates, please contact Loreburn Housing Association’s CEO, Kirsteen McGinn, at [email protected]
Alan Sandey, Convener, Loreburn Housing Association
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