Rural Housing Service - Case Study: Crianlarich

Allocations
It might have been a difficult process for a Trust owned by the local community to take on the task of allocating houses to members of the community. The Trust considered turning over the allocation and management of the houses to the local housing association or Council. However it was decided that the Trust would do this itself.

The Housing Group embarked on training provided by the Chartered Institute of Housing and developed their own allocations policy to reflect the needs of the local communities as well as individual housing need.

There were 7 applicants for the four houses for let.

The first tenants moved into the renovated houses on 28 September 1999.

Housing Management Staff
The Trust also decided to create a local job of housing officer. This is undertaken by a local person who is paid on an hourly basis for being the point of contact for the tenants of the houses. Their hours range from 1 hour a week upwards dependent on the problems with the houses or if there is a change of tenancy.

Repairs
A local contractor is paid by the hour when required.

Rents
The rents (2001) are set at £184 per month for a two apartment house and £197 for a three apartment house. The rents are set between the council rents and the housing association rents.

The Future
The Trust are currently watching developments with the second strand of their housing strategy - a self-build development in Tyndrum. This is being developed by a partnership involving Strathfillan Community Development Trust, Community Self Build Scotland, Stirling Council and Scottish Homes. Further information on the self build development can be found at the Community Self Build Scotland website.