Funding for housing adaptations

Under the Housing (Scotland) Acts of 2001 and 2006 the Council has a statutory duty to provide financial assistance to homeowners and private rented sector tenants who are assessed as requiring adaptations, such as ramps and wet floor showers, to their homes to make them more suitable for their needs. Funding for housing association tenants is the responsibility of the individual associations, although they usually get this funding from the Scottish Government.

In the current financial year we have seen a significant increase in demand for adaptations from homeowners and private tenants, which has placed pressure on the Council's budget. Even after increasing the budget from £490,000 to £855,000 in October we still have a considerable number of people waiting on adaptations. In recognition of this I asked officers to look at how we could further increase the funding to reduce the length of time that people have to wait.


I am pleased to say that due to prudent financial management - and by being prepared to take some tough decisions on spending priorities - the Administration is now looking to commit substantial additional funding to meet the demand for adaptations.


Addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in our community has been a priority for my Administration since we were elected in 2007. This additional funding will mean that more people will be able to remain in their own homes rather than being admitted to care homes or hospital. It will also help make life easier for carers looking after relatives and friends with disabilities.


I hope that all political groups within the Council will support this proposal when it is considered by the Council's Policy & Resources Committee on 9 February.