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Good governance matters now more than ever

Housing associations need good governance now more than ever – there is no room for complacency, according to the Chief Executive of the Scottish Housing Regulator.

In a speech to delegates at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference in Aberdeen, Karen Watt said that the sector is facing a trickier financial environment and organisations will face tough resource and management choices in order to deliver good services and keep their houses well maintained.

Revealing the initial findings of a recent survey of landlords Karen Watt said “55% of housing associations see no serious financial pressure facing them. It is vital that staff and committee members guard against complacency. Sound governance is needed to keep services to tenants on track. Having a good chairperson and the right people round the committee table to challenge staff, think independently, understand the finances, and reflect the needs of the business and tenants are vital ingredients at this time”.


NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

1. The Scottish Housing Regulator came into operation on 1 April 2008. It is the successor to Communities Scotland’s Regulation & Inspection Division. As a government agency the Scottish Housing Regulator has complete operational independence, but remains accountable to Scottish Ministers, and through them to the Scottish Parliament for the standard of its work. The agency sits within the Justice and Communities Directorate of the Scottish Government and will work within the government’s overall purpose and contribute to its strategic objectives.


Ian Brennan

Head of Business Analysis

0141 2713702