Food Vouchers For Housing Tenants

More than 8,000 tenants in some of Scotland's most deprived communities will be given food vouchers by their housing association this Christmas.

Almost 8,000 tenants of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), Cube and West Lothian Housing Partnership who are over 70 will receive £40 of the vouchers.

About 600 tenants from the landlords' sheltered housing complexes will also receive the gift.

The three housing associations are part of Wheatley Group, which is running a WinterReady campaign to help older tenants cope with freezing weather and winter hardship.

The campaign includes a home check for over 60s and disabled people where a plumber visits and checks the central heating, pipes and draught prevention.

Housing minister Margaret Burgess said: Wheatley Group is to be congratulated for this initiative and their ongoing campaign to help vulnerable older tenants right across the central belt.

At this time of year, when the winter weather can cause severe hardship for older people living in our communities, it is important they receive as much help as possible to stay safe and warm.''

The vouchers can be redeemed at a local supermarket.

Tenants who are eligible are being contacted by their housing association to arrange delivery of the gift.

GHA chair Gordon Sloan said: This can be a particularly difficult time of year for many older people.

We are determined to do all we can to help them prepare for the worst effects of winter and to have the best festive period possible.''