Bob Doris SNP MSP for Glasgow region has reacted with disappointment to the news that GHA tenants are
set to face a 5.2% rise in rent.  Speaking in Glasgow Mr Doris said: "I am disappointed at this announcement and hope that the GHA Board will reconsider.

"On the face of it 5.2% may not seem a lot to well paid GHA officials but it could be the
tipping point for many families for whom every penny is a prisoner.

"Particularly when you consider GHA rents are already considerably higher than other social
landlords in Glasgow.

"A 5.2% rent increase is bad enough if your house has been renovated but if you're still
sitting in a damp ridden home not knowing whether it'll be demolished or not, then any increase
just adds insult to injury.

"It is wrong that this increase takes no account of the condition or the future of a tenants house.

"It is noticeable that this is the biggest increase that could have been imposed and was passed only
by the casting vote of the chair, and ironically against the views of tenants as outlined in the GHA's own consultation.

"I have tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament and am seeking cross party support.  Hopefully
we can persuade the GHA board to look at this again.

"If they do, they'll save many hard pressed families further financial misery."

Note:

The full text of Bobs motion is:

S3M-1257 Bob Doris (Glasgow) (SNP) : Concern Over Glasgow
Housing Association Rent Increase— That the Parliament notes with concern that Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) has agreed a 5.2% increase in rent; observes that this increase, the maximum allowable, was pushed through on the casting vote of the tenant chair against the wishes of 60% of tenants, while the rent on GHA properties remains significantly higher than that charged by other registered social landlords; recognises that many tenants remain in unmodernised properties with the threat of demolition hanging over their heads; further notes that this increase comes at a time when public sector pay increases are running at a low level and that the increase is likely to contribute further to financial hardship, and calls on the GHA board to consult further with tenants with a view to reconsidering its decision.