Sheltered housing consultation begins

Orkney Islands Council is starting a consultation into the possibility of introducing charging for new tenants of sheltered housing.

The aim is to consult widely on the proposal, to gather important information councillors will consider before deciding whether to bring in charges. A commitment has been given that there will be no additional charges for existing sheltered housing tenants at Lambaness and Andersquoy in Kirkwall and Rae’s Close in Stromness.

If charging is introduced, new sheltered housing tenants could pay a weekly charge of £30 to help pay for their warden service.

For Rae’s Close, there is an additional consultation on continuing to use the facility for sheltered housing – while also making it available as supported housing for people who need assistance for particular needs, such as a mild to moderate learning disability.

Survey forms for the consultations, which runs until January 9, can be filled in online or downloaded at www.orkney.gov.uk. Copies are also available from OIC customer services.