Housing Services Annual Report published

Orkney Islands Council’s Housing Services Annual Report 2021-2022 has been published and details a strong performance across a number of areas.

These include:

• the properties are in good condition and the Council is well underway to meet the expected enhanced standards by 2032;
• a low number of repairs per property;
• current rent collection is high;
• the response to homelessness is good.

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

Chair of Education, Leisure and Housing Committee Councillor Gwenda Shearer said: “It is pleasing to note a strong performance in a number of areas, however, there remains work to be done and we are committed to further improvements.

“We undertook a tenant satisfaction survey earlier this year and this recorded some challenges in relation to satisfaction levels across the areas of performance.  The report covers the period up to the end of March 2022. A period in which the COVID-19 pandemic continued to present many challenges for our staff, our contractors and our tenants. This included rising costs of supplies to undertake repairs and improvements and delays in deliveries. In recent times we have been very aware of financial challenges which affect our tenants as a result of rising electricity prices and the cost of living crisis. 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.

“It is heartening to add that the number of complaints made fell dramatically in 2021/22 and compliments increased significantly.

“Of course, 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 became available, and a further 8 properties were completed in 2022.

“I’d like to thank tenants for taking the time to contribute to the development of this report and would encourage everyone to take a look. We really appreciate tenants’ feedback regarding the style of the report, and on the information contained within. This helps us to improve our services.

“I would also commend staff and contractors for all their work and commitment over another challenging year.”

The report, which is available on the Housing Services Annual Reports page has Recite Me assisted software to make it as accessible as possible. If you would prefer a paper copy or require the report in a different language or format, then please get in touch with the team by calling 01856 873535 or email housing@orkney.gov.uk.

It’s vital that we continue to hear feedback from tenants. If you are interested in finding out more about Tenant Participation or have an interest in attending the Residents’ Panel contact Claire Pritchard on 01856 873535 or e-mail claire.pritchard@orkney.gov.uk.