Council to address flat factoring problems

Glasgow city council’s executive committee has drawn up an action plan on the current lack of common repairs across the city’s flats following a report which highlights a lack of maintenance — contributing to falling prices and even threatening the longevity of buildings.

The report states that factors need to modernise their methods, as well as suggesting that flat owners must understand their own responsibilities.

Commission chair Jean Charsley said: “Almost three-quarters of Glasgow homes are within shared property and it is the responsibility of owners and property managers to ensure that property is kept in good order.

“If owners, factors, council and government take on board the issues raised there will be a way forward for the ongoing upkeep of Glasgow’s homes.”

Commenting this week, Bailie Liz Cameron, executive member for development and regeneration, highlighted six tenements which have, in the past nine months, been evacuated because of dangerous levels of disrepair. A council spokesman confirmed that five of these were in the southside, and that emergency repairs were needed before people were able to return to their homes.

Bailie Cameron added that the report “provides considerable food for though for everyone with an interest in how Glasgow’s housing stock is managed.

“An effective factor can play a fundementally important role in ensuring the upkeep of shared property.”

Commenting on The Extra’s Facebook page, southsider Gill Brammer said: “My ceiling has been leaking for nearly five months now, and I’m never away from the housing office complaining. Also never had close lighting since I’ve moved in. It’s a disgrace.”

However, another reader replied: “My tenement in Shawlands is immaculate. We recently had the close painted, cleaners come every Monday and we had roof repairs the other week.

“I used to live in a similar building in Aberdeen and it was left to rot.”