New lease of life for Rae’s Close

Proposals to make some vacant sheltered housing properties at Rae’s Close, in Stromness, available for use as supported housing for people with particular needs will be considered by full council later this month.

This would be in addition to the current provision for sheltered housing for older people.

A consultation carried out between October and January showed broad support for the proposal amongst existing tenants, their relatives and carers, and relevant staff and agencies. The proposals were backed by the social services and housing committee at a recent meeting. At the same meeting, councillors also voted against proposals for a service charge of £30 per week for any new tenants of sheltered housing.

The proposals will be considered at full council on March 27.