Housing for Varying Needs Review - Aberdeen City Council

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NeedsHousing for Varying Needs Review8.11 It is worth noting at this stage that the greatest area of contention withour tenants is the apparent inconsistency of charging for housingsupport services where neighbours in similar financial circumstances arecharged, or not, different sums of money depending on when theirtenancy began.8.12 In response to the Customer Satisfaction Survey carried out in May2010, 67.2% of tenant’s who responded indicated they disagreed orstrongly disagreed with the statement “The current system of only sometenants paying for the support service is fair”.8.13 In June 2011, a two day workshop was held to reach agreement on theprinciples and framework that will inform the policy for charging forservices in Aberdeen City Council’s sheltered housing.8.14 The workshop involved staff, tenants and representatives from RSLswho discussed a variety of topics. Appendix 11 shows the “Quad ofAims” and the attendees.8.15 The feedback from this workshop has informed the content of theReview to date and the outcomes will be incorporated into theimplementation/action plan to be developed further in stage two of theReview.9 Guest Room Facilities at Sheltered and Very ShelteredHousing Developments9.1 Guest facilities for overnight stays are provided at forty of Aberdeen CityCouncil’s forty nine sheltered/very sheltered housing developments.9.2 The facilities in our guest rooms range from “hostel” style to “hotel”standard. Whilst some accommodation has been purpose built and offerguests exclusive use; other guests access a room within a flat and sharebathroom and/or kitchen facilities potentially with other guests who arenot known to them.9.3 At twenty two multi storey blocks, the properties were formerly let as flatsand have been adapted to provide guest accommodation. Purpose builtguest rooms are provided at seventeen developments which are mainlylocated in low rise, newer developments. Linens and towels areprovided at all locations and the provision of tea/coffee making facilitiesis selective and has usually been supplied by the tenants group.9.4 The charge for a pre booked stay is £15.30 per person per night, acrossall forty nine developments. Where a visit is made for a medicalemergency or bereavement, on site staff may use their discretion inapplying the charge.21
Housing for Varying Needs Review9.5 A “snap shot” of annual payments indicates that occupancy rates haveranged from no occupancy at one development to 115 nights at another.From June 2010 to July 2011, total guest room payments provided anincome of £27,690 which is equivalent to 2116 nights or 8% of capacity.9.6 A recent benchmarking exercise showed that the majority of other LocalAuthorities and Registered Social Landlord’s who were consulted,charge a similar amount to Aberdeen City Council on a per room pernight basis. Where a, per person per night charge is made, the cost isapproximately 50% of Aberdeen City Councils current charge.9.7 Feedback from tenants and on-site staff, although anecdotal, stronglyindicates that current charges are excessive in some instances,particularly where facilities are shared.9.8 A formal consultation exercise with stakeholders is required so thatoptions can be considered in relation to the future use of and chargingpolicy for guest accommodation at sheltered housing development. Thiswill be taken forward as part of the implementation/action plan for stagetwo of the Review.10 Review of Allocations Policy10.1 The Council has introduced a new allocations policy that was approvedby H&E committee in May 2011.10.2 Officers are working to implement the outcomes and the project’sestimated “go-live” date is July 2012.10.3 The new allocation policy has been designed to comply with currentlegislation and Scottish Government guidelines in order to meet thefollowing aims.• To be open, fair, transparent and consistent in allocating ourcouncil houses• To house those in greatest need• To make sure that we offer accommodation that meets theneeds of applicants• To make best use of our council houses• To provide clear and regular information on the allocations made• To provide applicants with an easily understood policy• To meet standards of good practice• To be more customer focused• To meet the conditions of all relevant legislation10.4 A key element of this policy is to provide a more holistic approach toassessing medical and care and support needs. To support this aim wewill introduce new Housing Need Assessment Team.22
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Housing for Varying Needs Review - Aberdeen City Council

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