Decision Maker: Formartine Area Committee

Outcome: Approve

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 10, 2024

Purpose: All Local Authorities are required by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 to have a Scheme of Assistance (SoA) setting out the circumstances in which it will provide homeowners and private tenants with advice, practical support and financial assistance to help them repair, maintain, improve or adapt their homes. A review of Aberdeenshire Council’s SoA is required because of changes to service deliver in response to budget pressures. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 also requires local authorities to have a Below Tolerable Standard and Housing Renewal Area Policy within their Local Housing Strategies. These polices have been reviewed in line with the Policy Review and Development Framework and to take account of the recently published Local Housing Strategy 2024-29. The report seeks comments on the policies which will be presented to Communities Committee for approval in February 2025.

Content: The Formartine Area Committee provided the following comments to Communities Committee:   a)    How many people are currently on the waiting list and how many applications are due to be added to the waiting list? b)    Concerns were raised about the withdrawal of early intervention and prevention works which will have an impact on Health and Social Care and delayed discharges, and c)    As regards housing renewal areas, this is very resource intensive and is it applicable in Aberdeenshire?