Home lettings feedback sought

Orkney Islands Council is to seek views on potential changes to its policy on letting homes.

A consultation gets underway on Monday 9 September – with feedback invited from tenants and applicants for council housing.

“This follows a change to Scottish legislation, but we also want to make sure our lettings policy best reflects local needs,” said Frances Troup, the Council’s Head of Housing, Homelessness and Schoolcare Accommodation Services.

“We’ll be holding two consultation events where people can find out more. There will also be plenty of information on the OIC website for those who can’t get to the events. I would encourage our tenants and folk who are on our housing waiting list to take part in the consultation and share their views with us.”

The events are at:

• The St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, on Tuesday 17 September from 17:30.
• The Warehouse Buildings, Stromness, on Wednesday 18 September from 17:30.

Other agencies will also be involved.

The consultation page with information is available here – along with an online survey.

Areas covered by the survey include the way Council properties are allocated and the potential for applicants to have more choice in the type of property they would like.

Paper copies of the survey can be requested by contacting OIC’s Housing Service on 01856873535 extension 2170 or by emailing housing@orkney.gov.uk.

The consultation will run until Sunday 13 October. The results will be reported to Elected Members, who will consider changes to the current lettings policy.