Latest News

• 

  Bonfire and fireworks safety information

  Please click here to read the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service leaflet on Bonfires and Fireworks safety

• 

  Police Scotland After Dark Campaign - Advice To Help Prevent Housebreaking

  Police Scotland launched their annual national 'After Dark' campaign on Monday 11th October 2021.  The campaign will run until Monday 25th October 2021 and is designed to raise awareness around home security.
  
  In particular they want to remind people to make their homes appear occupied during the early evenings as the darker nights set in.
  
  A house that looks unoccupied can become a target for criminals.
  
  There are some simple things you can do to make your home less of a target, including:

  • making sure windows and doors are locked
  • fitting outside security lighting
  • using timer switches on some internal lights.

  Please click here to read a leaflet which gives useful hints and tips around home security.

• 

  Invitation to get involved in FREE TPAS Scotland online sessions

  WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

  Neil Morland and Co. has been commissioned by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) to write a report and develop a good practice toolkit to support social landlords in Scotland to work as effectively as possible to minimise the number of RSL and local authority tenants who lose their homes due to evictions, abandoning their properties or in any other way that might lead to tenants becoming homeless.

  Click to see when the sessions are and how to book a place...

• 

  Garioch kitchen cooking classes

  

• 

  Police warning Pet Owners of Lost Pets Scam

  When a family pet goes missing from the family home it is likely to be heartbreaking for the owners. Social Media is often used effectively for getting the lost appeal out across the community and often this results in the family and pet being reunited. However scammers are now targeting lost pet owners often when they are at their most desperate to get their beloved pet back.  

  Click to read more...

• 

  SCOTTISH HOUSING DAY 2021

  Scottish Housing Day continues to highlight challenges and achievements across the housing sector. This year, as the world’s attention will be on Glasgow for the UN’s climate conference COP26 in November, we are turning our focus on housing and the climate emergency. 
   
  Click here to read some fascinating case studies from Scotland’s housing sector, including our very own Sustainability Strategy 2020-2025, and how housing is helping to get towards net zero. #ScottishHousingDay

• 

  **WE ARE NOW FULL!! FANTASTIC RESPONSE TO CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS**

  We asked our interested tenants panels if they would help test our Tenant Satisfaction Survey and heard from 25 people.

  It is great that so many are happy to help us make sure we are doing the best possible job with the satisfaction survey.

  Click to continue reading...

• 

  Garage Security

  After a spate of garage break-ins recently, Police are warning anyone with a garage or lock-up to be more vigilant.  North East Division Crime Reduction Officer, Mark Irvine said ‘We advise everyone to look at the security of their buildings.

  Click to continue reading...

• 

  We are re-opening our reception

  The Association will be re-opening its doors on an appointments basis only from 13 September 2021. 

  If you wish to contact a member of staff to make an appointment please phone ahead to do this on 01224 423000.  You will be asked to wear a mask in the reception area and complete a short survey regarding Covid symptoms as part of our risk assessment.

• 

  Phones

  Staff in our Customer Service Team have now returned to the office.  The phones remain busy so please be patient while we get to your call.  The busy time continues to be over lunch time.  Please try to avoid this time unless your call is an emergency.

• 

  Vehicle Security and Crime Prevention

  Following recent incidents in a variety of our rural communities where person/s have entered insecure vehicles and stolen items from within, and in some circumstances stolen the vehicle, Police Scotland are urging members of the public to remain vigilant around securing vehicles.

  Click for more information...

• 

  Launch of Vehicle Crime Awareness Campaign

  Due to a significant rise in vehicle crime throughout Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland is supporting Police Scotland in their Vehicle Crime campaign to help reduce the opportunities for criminals.
  
  Police Scotland has launched an awareness raising campaign to prevent vehicles being targeted by criminals.

  Click for more information...

• 

  Langstane News Summer 2021

  Your copy of Langstane News is on the way.  See page 3 for our recent prize winners, page 7 for repair service update and page 12 for our tenant corner and another delicious recipe from Garioch Community Kitchen!  

  Click here to read Langstane News Summer 2021.

• 

  Staying safe outdoors

  With lockdown measures continuing to ease in most areas and many people in Scotland choosing to have a “staycation” this year, outdoor safety and leisure partners have pulled together to provide some key messages to help keep members of the public safe.
  
  Click to link to the Building Safer Communities bulletin, highlighting these key messages.

• 

  How we helped tenants with emergency funding

  The Scotland Social Housing Fuel Support Fund was an emergency fund to support households in vulnerable situations. Especially during the COVID-19 outbreak; to support adequate energy supplies for health and wellbeing; and to help households avoid self-disconnection.

  The fund was launched by the Scottish Government in recognition of the added burden COVID-19 is having on some households, who may struggle to pay their fuel bills due to loss of income or increased energy/fuel use.

  Click to see how we helped...

• 

  New application process to replace Apply4Homes

  You can now apply to the Association online via our website for housing. 

  Please click and read the instructions carefully about how to apply for housing with us.

• 

  Energy Angels

  Click to see more information on new energy supplier working with the Association 

• 

  COVID-19 UPDATE - RESPONSE REPAIRS

  As a result of the announcement from the Scottish Government on Tuesday 20 April we are pleased to announce that we can resume our full repairs and maintenance service from Tuesday 4 May 2021.  We are working closely with our tradesmen and contractors in an effort to attend to the backlog of repairs.  If you have previously reported a repair to the Association since the 26 December 2020 you can expect a call from a Langstane staff member/external contractor who will discuss the repair with you and schedule a suitable appointment time. 

  We thank you for your continued patience during this challenging time. 

• 

  Fake Mobile Phone Warning

  With so much of our daily routine now on the Internet – banking, shopping and social networking to name but a few – criminals are increasingly going online to exploit people.
  
  Police Scotland are reminding members of the public of the importance of being extra careful when purchasing the latest mobile phones online at what appear to be discounted prices. A number of incidents have been reported across Scotland of fake phones being sold as genuine. Careful scrutiny is needed to identify the counterfeit items.
  
  Remember – if it appears too good to be true it probably is.

• 

  Launch of The Priority Services Register In Scotland - Opportunity to sign up

  Scotland’s electricity distribution and water networks have joined forces to launch PSR (Priority Services Registers) Scotland, an innovative partnership to inform customers of the free support available when they need it most. 

  Click for more information.  

• 

  Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme Update - April 2021

  Please click here to read the monthly update on the flood protection scheme for April.

• 

  NHS Covid-19 roll up your sleeve campaign

  Please click here to view the NHS campaign video on YouTube 

• 

  Vehicle security

  Please click to read advice from Police Scotland on keeping your vehicles safe.

• 

  Online safety information for Parents & Carers

  Please click here to view information from Police Scotland on how to keep young people and children safe online 

• 

  What to do if you have a frozen pipe

  If a pipe freezes…

  • Turn off the water supply at the stopcock
  • Check to see if the pipe has burst
  • Slowly thaw the pipe with hot water bottles or a towel soaked in hot water, starting at the end nearest the tap
  • You can also use a hair-dryer (lowest setting) but NOT a naked flame or blowlamp.

  Remember: don’t leave taps dripping or running as the water may not drain down the plughole if the pipe below is frozen.

  This guidance will help prevent burst pipes within your home.

• 

  National Panel of Tenants and Service Users survey NOW OPEN

  The latest survey of the National Panel of Tenants and Service Users is now open. The survey for tenants of social housing looks at the pandemic’s impact on services as well rents & wider finances.  Please click here to complete the survey.

• 

  Dog theft story with a happy ending

  The following message and advice is being circulated nationally due to its relevance for all dog owners.  It relates to Skye the Cocker Spaniel, who was stolen from rear garden kennels at Fordoun, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, in November 2020.

  Please click to read the full story:

• 

  Watch out for Rogue Traders

  Please be aware of Rogue Traders operating in your area.

  Door-to-door scams involve criminals knocking on your door and unexpectedly offering products or services. Fraudsters convince you to pay for goods or work which is often overpriced, of poor quality or is never carried out. In many cases the work isn’t even necessary. They may use intimidation and pressure you to make quick decisions so that you agree to their demands.

  Please click for information on how to protect yourself.

• 

  SERVICE UPDATE: January 2021 Lockdown

  We are committed to providing services to our tenants and housing applicants. However, we are taking sensible precautions to protect everyone during the current lock down. Please read this article for details about some changes to our services.

• 

  Advice on training your dog

  Click here to read information from the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) on how to train your dog.

• 

  Scottish Government new hardship loan scheme now available

  The Scottish Government is offering a loan to assist private and social sector tenants, who are having difficulties paying their rent because of COVID-19 restrictions.  Please click for more information and how to apply. 

• 

  Shortened version of Annual Report 2020

  Please click to view our shortened version of our Annual Report 2020.

• 

  Langstane News Winter 2020

  Your copy of Langstane News is on the way.  See page 2 for a quick glance at our performance for 2019/2020, page 8 & 9 for some snaps from staff and page 12 for a delicious recipe from Garioch Community Kitchen!

  Click here to read Langstane News Winter 2020.

• 

  Langstane Housing - an accredited Living Wage employer

  Langstane Housing Association has become accredited Living Wage employer, announced as part of Living Wage Week (9-15 November 2020).

  Their Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at Langstane Housing Association receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.30 This rate is higher than the statutory minimum for over 25s of  £8.72 per hour introduced in April 2020.

• 

  Langstane Annual Report 2020

  Our Annual Performance Report 2020 is now ready to view.

  View the report here.

• 

  Repairs Service update 06 November 2020

  The Association is operating a full repairs service after disruption caused by the pandemic. 

  Routine repairs and planned maintenance were suspended by the Association on March 23, with the Association’s tradesmen and contractors carrying out emergency works only.

  We are currently working through the backlog of 300 repairs and maintenance tasks.  

  Please click to read how we will be dealing with the backlog.

• 

  First virtual Board of Management AGM held September 2020

  Langstane Housing Association Limited held its first virtual Annual General Meeting in September 2020.  Immediately prior to the AGM, was the Special General Meeting at which Members voted unanimously in favour of the proposed Rule changes.

  Please click to read more and see who has now stepped down from the Board.

• 

  Domestic Abuse Project Aberdeen - Citizen Consultation open

  The Aberdeen TEC Pathfinder project is looking to understand the experiences of victims and survivors of domestic abuse in accessing support throughout Grampian.  Please click here to read more and to take part in the consultation.  

• 

  Letter from Housing Minister

  Please click to read the open letter from Kevin Stewart MSP - Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning. 

• 

  Value for Money Statement

  We recently consulted with you on our Value for Money Statement.  The results have now been approved by our Board of Management and the statement is available to read.  Thank you to all of you who gave up your time to complete the survey and approve the statement, your continued involvement is much appreciated. 

• 

  Paying rent during the Coronavirus outbreak

  Please click here to read about the importance of paying your rent and the help we can offer if you are struggling

• 

  Update on Right to Repair during Coronavirus outbreak

  At this time we are only completing Emergency Repairs.  Please click for an important update on the Right to Repair scheme.  

• 

  Coronavirus - Frequently Asked Questions about your rent

  We have created a FAQ answer sheet to help you if you have experienced changes in your circumstances due to the coronavirus outbreak.

• 

  Aberdeen City Council bin collection update

  Collection of recycling, garden and food waste bins have been suspended until further notice - please click to read full details on their website

• 

  **SERVICE UPDATE - ALL NON ESSENTIAL WORK TO STOP**

  Read this article for more details about the latest changes to our service provision

• 

  **MONDAY 23 MARCH: SERVICE UPDATE**

  As of Monday 23 March 2020 we will provide a repairs service to cover emergencies only. This relates to wind and water-tight repairs such as leaks and broken windows. Also things that affect your health and safety such as electrics and plumbing. We have a full list on our website, but please contact us if you are unsure.

• 

  How you can secure help claiming benefits whilst self-isolating or being laid off?

  Please see below a Q&A example about claiming assistance with housing costs due to self-isolation.  Further down you will find links of where to go for information and advice.

• 

  Alternatives to ‘Over The Counter’ Payment Collection

  Due to the unprecedented coronavirus situation we realise you may not be able to pay your rent over the counter - please click here for more information on alternative ways to pay your rent during this time

• 

  Council tax savings tool

  Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) have launched a new tool to help people see if they are entitled to any exemptions with their council tax.  Click for more information.

• 

  Interested in Mystery Shopping?

  Want to know more about our Mystery Shopping project - please click for details

• 

  Allpay windows app being decommissioned February 2020

  IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  Please be aware that from 1st February 2020 allpay will be decommissioning its Windows App.  Click for more information.

• 

  Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 changes

  Just a reminder that the final parts of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 have now come into force

• 

  Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks

  Click to see leaflets on keeping warm, reporting power cuts and how to get extra support

• 

  Help available from our Tenant Welfare Advisor

  If you would like help with Universal Credit or any other benefit please click for more information on how we can help 

• 

  Bogus Callers Incidents Scotland

  Please click for more information on how you can keep yourself, your family and friends and your community safer by being aware of what's happening with Bogus caller/Doorstep crime.

• 

  Home Security While On Holiday

  Going on holiday – before you go take a look at some advice and tips from Moray Community Safety Partnership to help keep your home safe 

• 

  NETRALT win at TIS awards

  North East Tenants Residents and Landlords together (NETRALT) win another award!

• 

  Langstane purchase mobile CCTV unit

  We have purchased a mobile CCTV unit that can be installed externally to monitor our schemes - click to read more..

• 

  Update from ALLPAY on their Internet Payments

  Allpay are delighted to announce that from Tuesday 23rd April their Internet Payments website will be fully mobile ready, giving customers a better experience when paying their bills via mobile devices.

• 

  Langstane working with energy funding company ‘Union Technical’

  We are currently working with an energy funding company called 'Union Technical' to improve the energy efficiency of all properties.

• 

  Allpay launch new payment App

  The new app is now available for downloading so you can pay rent anytime, anywhere!

• 

  Donation to Salvation Army

  Donation to Salvation Army of insulated mugs for Winter Feeding programme

• 

  Accessible and Adaptable Housing

  The Equality and Human Rights Commission have just released a publication on accessible and adaptable housing. 

• 

  Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 tenancy changes

  We have recently written to all tenants about the changes to the Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement that are coming soon under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014.

• 

  Langstane staff complete Qualification

  Langstane Housing Association congratulates staff Amber Anderson, David Campbell, Charlotte Pattinson and Hannah Trail on passing YouTrain ‘Digital Applications Support SCQF Level 6’.

• 

  Langstane awarded ‘Make a Stand’ pledge certificate

  Langstane is proud to announce that we have received our certificate for signing the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Make a Stand pledge.  

• 

  Langstane Housing Association appoints its Office Bearers

  On Tuesday, 18 September, Langstane Housing Association held its 40th Annual General Meeting.

• 

  Langstane supports the Make a Stand Campaign

  Langstane Housing has given its support to the Make a Stand campaign developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance.

• 

  Grampian Women’s Aid & 20 common myths about domestic abuse

  Grampian Women’s Aid offers a free, confidential and non-judgemental service to women, children and young people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who have experienced domestic abuse. 

• 

  Model Lodging House Cubicle Mock up

  Langstane Housing Association’s roots came from the lodging houses of the 60s and 70s. The lodging houses and night shelters were the only refuge many people had if they had fell on hard times. These were often places of last resort with conditions less than satisfactory.

• 

  Langstane Housing Association introduces Electric Vehicle Charging Points

  Langstane Housing Association successfully gained grant funding to provide an electrical vehicle charging point at its Aberdeen base. 

• 

  Langstane employees pass City & Guilds training course

  Langstane Housing Association wishes to congratulate our Property Services Officers, Toni Sherriffs, Andrew Kemp, Neil Irvine and Colin Hay on passing their recent City & Guilds training course ‘Understanding buildings and managing repairs’.
   

• 

  What to do if you have lost a key

  Please make sure when you lose keys that you replace them as soon as possible.  This will mean you only pay for individual keys and avoid a recharge for a lock change.

  If you have someone who you trust maybe leave a spare key with them for emergencies.

  If you have any questions regarding key replacements please call 01224 423000.

• 

  City & Shire Guide to Universal Credit

  In anticipation of the launch of Universal Credit Full Service in the area this year Langstane has worked together with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils along with Grampian, Castlehill and Sanctuary Housing Associations on a “City and Shire Guide to Universal Credit”. 

• 

  Conference Suite for Hire

  Please click here to see information on the use of the Fitzpatrick Suite and the List of Charges.

• 

  Langstane Housing Association Staff Away Day - ‘Be the best we can be’

  Langstane Housing Association’s senior management team expressed their heartfelt thanks to all the staff and Board of Management members who participated in the recent away day.  This was planned to help inform a revised Business Plan that will set the Association’s direction for the next three years.

• 

  Universal Credit Videos and further information

  Please click here for useful video links on Universal Credit (UC) Full Service and link to GOV.UK.  

• 

  Langstane Housing Association donates to Salvation Army ‘Cosy Clothes Appeal’

  After volunteering with the Salvation Army in late November 2017 to provide hot soup and sandwiches for those who may be homeless or rough sleeping, Susan Henderson, Langstane’s Finance Manager, was struck by how unprepared some people were for such freezing temperatures over the winter period.

• 

  Fire Safety Policy Feedback

  We have recently sent out a tenant consultation with our Winter Newsletter.

  Please click here to see our Fire Safety in Communal Areas Policy.

• 

  Power company installing communal smart meters

  Please note that there are smart meter installations happening in the local area. 

  If the power goes off it may be due to this. 

  The power company are sending out letters to everyone who will be affected by these works.  Please click to see a list of all the areas. 

• 

  Support information from Foyer Aberdeen

  Please click to see leaflets on Employability, Computer Skills, REACH Bridging Courses and Money Management 

• 

  Are you from an Ethnic Minority background?

  Please click to see contact details for GREC who can help you to access help, advice and services

• 

  We are here for you - Scotland against Coronavirus

  Please click to see information released from Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland about lonliness, isolation and help that is available during this difficult time

• 

  Message from DWP about phone contact when making a new UC application

  The Department for Work and Pensions has sent out an important message for all applicants of Universal Credit - please click for the full message

• 

  Council launches emergency helpline during COVID-19 outbreak

  Please click for full details on the new helpline launched by Aberdeen City Council 

• 

  Our office may be closed, but our staff are still working hard for you

  We are calling our tenants who live on their own, just to check that everything is OK and helping out wherever we can.  Click for more info...

• 

  Langstane joins the ‘Social Housing Digital Champions Network’

  Langstane Housing Association is now part of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) ‘Social Housing Digital Champions Network’ and as part of this network sits within the ‘North Cohort’.  

• 

  Langstane in the Community – Friendly Bench

  Our 'Friendly Bench' is now complete and is positioned in Seaton Park - click here for more information on the project.

• 

  Over 75s TV licence fee information

  Please click for information on TV licencing fee for over 75s

• 

  Salvation Army Newsletter

  Please see the first issue of their Touch-Base Newsletter. 

• 

  Universal Credit ‘Full Service’ Claims

  From later this year Universal Credit will be rolled out to other claimants including couples and families. 

• 

  Working together with NESCU

  We work in partnership with NESCU on a furniture project so we have attached their leaflet to the website for further information.  

• 

  Spotlight Magazine

  We have just launched our latest edition of the Spotlight Magazine.  Please follow the links attached to access the magazine via a desktop or mobile device. 

• 

  Free Benefit Advice

  Not sure if you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled too?

  Confused about the new changes and how this affects you?

• 

  Aberdeen North Foodbank up and running again

  Please contact our Tenancy Sustainment team for vouchers on 01224 423000 if you are in crisis need

• 

  Serious Fire in Aberdeenshire scheme

  There has been a serious fire in one of the Association’s tenement blocks in Aberdeenshire. 

• 

  Langstane and Safety Scotland

  Langstane Housing Association Ltd is proud to be working with Safety Scotland.

• 

  Latest Affordable Housing Development for Aberdeen

  Langstane Housing Association Ltd is delighted to add to its affordable housing provision in Aberdeen with the addition of 35 new-build homes at Copper Beech Court, Auchinyell Road, Garthdee, Aberdeen, AB10 7GL.

• 

  Tenant Participation Champions 2016

  Langstane Support Services Team and tenant Ronnie Boyle won awards at the 2016 TPAS Scotland awards for the Tenant Participation Champion of the Year!

• 

  Important Information for new tenants

  Housing Benefit and the housing element of Universal Credit for Social Housing tenancies created after 1st April 2016 is to be capped at the local housing allowance levels from 1st April 2018.