Welcome to your Spring Newsletter!
We hope you find this newsletter useful as always, we are more than happy to continue receiving your feedback to ensure the news we send is in a format that’s suitable to you, our tenant.
FREE Easter fun in Dumfries & Galloway
We’re delighted to partner with RH Youth Organisation to provide FREE tickets to our tenants in Dumfries & Galloway for their egg-citing Easter event!
Spaces are limited, so get in touch soon!
Easter Bonnet Competition
Is your child making an Easter bonnet for school, nursery or at home? Why not snap a photo and enter our Easter bonnet competition!
Send us your entry for the chance to win an Easter egg. Closing date is 1st of April please send your entry to: [email protected]
Chocolate Nest Cakes
1. Melt chocolate, golden syrup and butter in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir the mixture until smooth.
2. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the cornflakes until coated in the chocolate.
3. Divide the mixture between paper cases and press 3 mini eggs into the centre of each nest. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour, or until set.
Cunninghame in the community
We are delighted to begin planning our Tenant Summer Programme!
Keep an eye out for events local to you in North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
Each event will include a range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities. More information will be released closer to the Summer.
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date!
Garden Competition 2026
Do you have a beautifully maintained garden or take pride in looking after a common area? If so, why not enter our popular garden competition for a chance to win amazing prizes!
If you know a neighbour who has put exceptional effort into their garden or a shared space, you can nominate them too! Judging will take place in June/July 2026 and will include CHA staff, tenant group members, and Board members.
Getting Involved
This Spring our Tenants and Residents Groups will:
Would you like to get involved?
We always welcome new tenants! Please contact:
Tenant Spotlight
John Nisbet, Board and Scruitiny Group Member
How long have you been a CHA tenant?
Almost 16 years!
What has been your favourite scrutiny task?
I joined the Scrutiny Group when it first started 12 years ago. One of the most enjoyable tasks was the Shared Spaces review, where we visited various areas and house types. We spoke with tenants, and many took the opportunity to share their views on CHA, shared spaces, repairs, and more. All complaints were passed on to the relevant departments.
What has been your favourite tenant event?
I don’t have a particular favourite — I’ve enjoyed all the events where I’ve had the chance to mix with other tenants. The Tenant Recognition Event this year was really enjoyable.
What would you like to see more of?
I’d like to see more tenant and community events, particularly in localised areas — such as Christmas toy giveaways, football activities etc. spread across wider areas. Events are often concentrated in Ardrossan, Kilmarnock and Annan, but CHA covers a large geographical area, and it’s not always easy or affordable for tenants to travel.
Do you feel CHA is an effective landlord?
Yes — I’ve found them to be responsive and willing to listen to tenants’ views. Whenever issues are raised through the Scrutiny Group or by tenants directly, they have been passed to the right departments and acted on.
Reviewing CHA’s value for money
We are delighted to support the Cunninghame Scrutiny group on their latest review of CHA’s value for money.
Feedback from our Tenant Satisfaction Survey showed that satisfaction with CHA’s value for money has reduced.
So, the Scrutiny Group has decided that they will focus on this area to help CHA understand concerns and identify ways to improve.
What will they do?
- gather feedback to find out what’s important to our tenants
- look closely at how rent money is spent
- work with staff to identify ways to enhance services
- their work will help shape how services are delivered
Upgrades in your home
Our Planned Maintenance team will be installing new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors. They will be in contact if your home is due any of the following upgrades.
Winton Buildings
Check out the before and after of Winton Buildings in Ardrossan that recently received a fresh lick of paint.
Before
After
Making Our Communities Better Places
Last year we celebrated the first grant awards in our relaunched Making Our Communities Better Places Fund, with over £15,000 of funding given to 18 local groups and projects that are doing fantastic work in their communities. This year’s groups support everything from sport and youth activities to wellbeing, music, safety and volunteering.
We are now in process of reviewing our second phase of applications. Those who have been successful will be notified in due course. Our MOCBP fund applications will be open again August/September 2026 – keep an eye on our socials!
Tenant Satisfaction Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our 2025 Tenant Satisfaction Survey. We are delighted to share that 92% of respondents were satisfied with the overall service provided by CHA.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us understand what matters most to you. It also guides our investment decisions to continually improve the services that support you and your community.
Our colleagues and Board of Management will be reviewing the survey results before developing an action plan to address any areas for improvement that were identified by tenants. We will publish our response to this feedback following a review of the results with our Board.
Rent Consultation Results
Thank you to all of our tenants who took part in our December 2025 rent consultation. Congratulations to our winners who each received a £50 supermarket voucher, we really appreciate the time that our tenants took to complete our survey.
Your top priorities were
Most respondents understand that a lower increase could mean reductions in services, while many felt the proposed rise was reasonable to maintain current standards
After reviewing your feedback and comparing proposals by Landlords similar to ourselves —where the average increase is 5.7%—the Board has approved a 5.5% rent increase from 1 April 2026.
If you would like to chat about the rent increase or about how we consult with our tenants please get in touch we would really welcome your feedback.
Paying Rent
Your rent is charged weekly. There are a number of different ways to pay. If you are struggling to pay your rent please contact your Housing Officer on 01294 607553.
Can i work and still receive Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a means tested benefit – so it’s all down to the claimants personal circumstances and income. The DWP takes account of the net wages received during the claimant’s MAP. These will reduce the ‘Maximum UC’ by 55p for each £1 above the claimant’s applicable ‘work allowance’
There is no specific household income limit for UC – it considers your total income and savings. The amount of UC received is adjusted based on your earnings and other factors.
Reporting Anti Social Behaviour – What to Expect Next
We’re often asked what actually happens once a report of antisocial behaviour is made. While every case is different, here’s a simple look behind the scenes.
We look at what has been reported, how often it’s happening, and whether it meets the threshold for antisocial behaviour. Not every disagreement or one-off issue will fall within this definition — but we will always review it carefully.
In many cases, behaviour needs to be evidenced. This might involve diary sheets, communication with those involved, or partnership working with other agencies where appropriate.
Our aim is to resolve issues at the earliest appropriate stage. This could involve advice, warning letters, mediation, support referrals, or — in more serious cases — formal action. Legal action is always a last resort.
Why Some Cases Take Time
We understand it can feel frustrating if issues don’t resolve immediately. However, housing providers must act proportionately and in line with legislation. This means ensuring there is sufficient evidence and that the action taken is fair and reasonable.
Our Goals
Our focus is not simply enforcement — it’s maintaining safe, respectful communities. Early reporting helps us identify patterns and intervene before situations escalate. If you are unsure whether something may be antisocial behaviour, please contact us on 01294 607553.
Raising a Serious Complaint
The Scottish Housing Regulator has updated its advice on how tenants can raise Serious Concerns about social landlords.
We want our tenants to have clear, independent information and encourage you to contact us first if you have any concerns. You can find the tenant factsheet on the Scottish Housing Regulator’s website.
RTS is being switched off due to aging infrastructure. Affected users, often on Economy 7/10 or with electric storage heaters, should switch to smart meters to avoid losing heating/hot water, or potentially being charged more.
Lemon Aid Energy Advice Service
The Radio Teleswitch Service is being phased out. This started on the 30th of June 2025. This is now a phased switch off rather than a single shutdown, there is no exact detail that confirms which area of the country will be switched off next.
RTS is being switched off due to aging infrastructure. Affected users, often on Economy 7/10 or with electric storage heaters, should switch to smart meters to avoid losing heating/hot water, or potentially being charged more.
Tenants should review their current meter as soon as possible. The RTS meter is usually identifiable and will have the letters RTS on or near the meter. Please contact the Lemon Aid team for assistance on 0800 221 8089 (Ayrshire) or 0800 049 658 (Dumfries & Galloway).
Suppliers are also contacting customers to arrange replacements, but this is taking time. Below are some key updates:
Suppliers are proactively working with customers to manage this transition and minimize disruption, however if you feel you need the support of the Lemon Aid team.
Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company
Spring into Spring with Great Savings
Spring is here, the days are getting brighter and there’s never been a better time to refresh your home! This Spring, we’re celebrating with great savings across the store so you can welcome the new season in style – for less.
Planning a Spring clean?
Having a clear out? Don’t forget about us! We can collect your unwanted, reusable:
- Couches
- Beds
- Sofas
- Wardrobes
- Tables/chairs
- Mattresses
We’ll give your furniture a second life helping you free up space in your home – it’s a win-win for you and the planet!
Discover hidden gems
Looking for something new (or new-to-you)? Our showroom is packed with fantastic bargains, from furniture to home essentials – at prices you’ll love. You never know what treasure you’ll find.
Make sure you’re following us on Facebook to catch our latest Spring offers, Easter specials and new arrivals. You won’t want to miss them!