Decision Maker: Kincardine and Mearns 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 Committee agreed to provide the following comments to Communities Committee on the draft Scheme of Assistance, draft Below Tolerable Standards and draft Housing Renewal Policies:   ·         Concerns regarding the move away from prevention to critical need care and the wider impacts on the individual and long-term cost to the Council. ·         Concerns regarding the consultative process to date with Members.