Housing services update

A number of Orkney Islands Council’s housing services will soon be available again, in line with the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions.

Tenants and other service users are being contacted with updated information and advice following the Scottish Government’s decision to begin the move to Phase 2 of the recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.

Since the lockdown began, only emergency repairs have been carried out on the council’s rented properties.

From Monday 29 June, non-emergency repairs and improvement work will begin again, with a range of safety measures put in place.

House moves – other than in an emergency - have not been possible under lockdown, but the letting of properties in line with OIC’s lettings policy will resume from the same date.

The homelessness and advice service has been maintained during lockdown, with face-to-face contact avoided wherever possible,to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The council will continue to address homelessness whenever it occurs – and continue to provide advice and support primarily by phone.

Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: “I am very pleased that services we haven’t been able to provide – or have provided in a limited form over the past few months – are starting to return to normal once more.

“Our housing team has put in place a range of measurers to ensure the safety of our tenants, others who use our services, contractors and staff.

“In some instances, there will be a backlog of work we’ll need to catch up on. I’d like to thank all who use our housing services for their continued patience and co-operation – and ask folk to look out for the information the team is sending them.”

People needing to contact the Council on housing matters should get in touch with Customer Services in the first instance by phone on 01856 873535, by email or via the new MyOrkney service.