Glasgow’s community HAs feel undervalued after missing out on funding, says GWSF

Colleen Rowan

Last month, Glasgow announced that £43 million of grant funding would be distributed over a third phase of the Glasgow Communities Fund, from 2026 to 2029. But only £515,000 (1.2%) of the money is going to the city’s community-based housing associations (CBHAs), despite a decades-long track record of successful community development initiatives.

According to GWSF, among the 11 CBHAs that were not recommended for funding, there is a deep sense of disappointment and a collective questioning of how valued CBHAs are by its Glasgow City Council partners. Three of the unsuccessful bidders were seeking funding to continue existing projects: together they have lost £550,000 over the next three years.

And the Forum said there is real concern about how associations were perceived by the Fund assessors in terms of financial capacity, with anxiety in particular over an apparent perception that the receipt of rental income, and the existence of reserves designated for long term building maintenance, somehow mean external funding isn’t needed for community development services.

GWSF research and policy lead Colleen Rowan said: “This is a serious misconception of how housing associations operate, and it’s deeply disappointing that it’s what seems to be behind the unsuccessful funding applications.

“Despite all the effective partnership work that goes on between CBHAs and the council across the city, including on new build, homelessness, environmental issues, and food and fuel poverty, this doesn’t appear to be reflected in the awards.

“As CBHAs, our members play an integral role as vital Community Anchor Organisations in their communities, and they have been hugely appreciative of the funding many of them have previously received under Phases 1 and 2 of the Fund.

“This funding has allowed CBHAs to deliver myriad services and projects with and for their local communities, which have provided crucial forms of support and capacity building including in relation to food provision, health and well-being and employability initiatives.”

A spokesperson for Queens Cross Housing Association, which did not receive ongoing funding to continue its successful Community Opportunities Project, added: “Whilst we appreciate the challenge facing Glasgow City Council with an oversubscribed funding round and difficult decisions on the allocation of its Community Fund, we are hugely disappointed that most community based housing associations that applied were unsuccessful, given our proven success in delivering community programmes and activities to those who need them most.

“The end of Glasgow Community Fund support to Queens Cross HA will have a significant impact on many of the most vulnerable people we support. Without this funding, we will be unable to provide vital services such as community meals, and the activities and support which prevent social isolation and help people into work.”

GWSF will request a meeting with the council to convey its concerns and to better understand the reasons for so many associations having bids rejected.