Housing Services Report 2020-2021 published

Orkney Islands Council’s Housing Services Annual Report 2020-2021 has been published and details a strong performance across a number of areas.

The Annual Report looks at how the service is performing in comparison to last year and against similar local authorities – Shetland and Highland - and the Scottish average using national performance measures.

The report details areas in which the service in Orkney is performing well as:

• The properties are in good condition;
• A low number of repairs per property;
• The housing team’s response to homelessness and anti-social behaviour are good;
• Improved satisfaction levels among tenants across the areas of performance.

Chair of Education, Leisure and Housing Committee Councillor Gwenda Shearer said: “This is the third year that the Council has now produced an Annual Assurance Statement. The Annual Assurance Statement covers Housing Services’ performance, and we must submit it to the Scottish Housing Regulator each year. This information must also be made available to tenants and service users on the Council’s website.

“Tenants remain at the heart of all that the Housing and Homelessness Service do so it is particularly pleasing to report improved satisfaction rates among tenants across the areas of performance again this year.

“The Council also faces significant challenges in the form of restricted budgets. While we have delivered a significant programme of newly built housing in recent years, this has now reduced as a result of financial pressure on the Housing Revenue Account and the impact on tenants’ rents. However, during 2021, 36 newly built properties will become available, with a further 8 properties scheduled for completion in 2022.

“There are also areas where performance could be improved including the time it takes to return empty properties to an appropriate standard so they can be re-let and meeting energy efficiency targets in an area off the gas grid and with a relatively harsh climate.”

Councillor Shearer continued: “The reporting period covered by this report, is up to the end of March 2021. A period in which the COVID-19 pandemic continued to present many challenges for our staff, our contractors and our tenants. Last year the Service began publishing the annual report electronically to minimise the use and handling of paper by all involved. However, we recognise that not everyone has access to the internet and therefore if you would still like to receive a paper copy, we will make one available on request.

“Please remember that our staff are here to help support tenants through these difficult times and will be happy to provide advice and assistance as required. I’d like to thank staff and our contractors for all the work they have done in order to continue to deliver a service in line with Scottish Government requirements and guidance, throughout the last few months. I’d also like to thank our staff for their commitment, and our tenants for taking the time to contribute to the development of this report.”

The report is available in a range of formats and languages on request. It is also available on the Housing Services Annual Reports page.