Ayrshire Housing’s Financial Wellbeing Team helped tenants access more than £1.3 million of benefits they were previously missing out on. The team supported 318 households across Ayrshire to gain benefits they were entitled to but were not claiming.
The Wellbeing Team provides tenants with information and advice regarding benefits entitlement, assistance applying and with disputes, debt management, and household budgeting. Ayrshire Housing’s chief executive, Lesley-Anne Junner, said the team is a valuable resource in helping customers access what they are entitled to and make the most of their money.
Annual General Meeting
The housing association’s Annual General Meeting heard a progress report on the first year of the association’s 2025 to 2030 Business Plan, which has people, properties, places, and processes as priorities. Georgina Dawson, Board Chair, reported progress across all four areas.
Ayrshire Housing has continued to invest heavily in its homes, strengthening its understanding of the condition of its housing stock through ongoing surveys and planning work. They completed innovative Net Zero retrofit projects in Crosshill and Barr, supported by Scottish Government funding, to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Investment and Growth
Work commenced on 32 new affordable homes at Green Street in Ayr, a development that will provide much-needed housing and contribute to meeting local need while supporting the association’s longer-term growth ambitions. Ayrshire Housing was established in 2003 and has grown rapidly to become one of the area’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable rented housing, managing 1,700 homes in both urban and rural environments.
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The association’s independent Customer Satisfaction Survey showed encouraging results, with overall satisfaction rising to 91%, and satisfaction with communication increasing to 99%. Participation opportunities were also rated at 99%, and satisfaction with repairs increased significantly to 88%. These achievements demonstrate the positive impact of the association’s investments in customer service and tenant engagement.
Financial Performance
Auditors speaking at the AGM approved the association’s accounts. The association’s ability to secure more than £1.3 million in benefits for its tenants is a significant achievement, and its commitment to providing high-quality, affordable housing and supporting its customers’ financial wellbeing is evident in its progress report and survey results.
In practice, this development means that tenants who were previously struggling to access benefits they were entitled to can now receive the support they need to manage their finances and improve their quality of life. The Financial Wellbeing Team plays a vital role in helping tenants manage the complex benefits system and ensuring they receive the assistance they are eligible for.
Ayrshire Housing’s focus on people, properties, places, and processes has enabled it to make significant progress in its first year of the 2025 to 2030 Business Plan. As the cost of living crisis continues, the importance of the association’s work in supporting its customers’ financial wellbeing cannot be overstated.
It has made a difference.
