Housing Allocations Policy

Amenity Housing

Introduction

Amenity housing allows older/mature people to retain a higher level of independence within their own homes. This is achieved by the addition of a number of features/facilities designed to meet the needs of older residents.

Design Features

Amenity housing units have been equipped with additional amenities that are specifically designed to meet the needs of older residents.  These features include handrails fitted beside the WC and bath/shower, bathroom doors which are either sliding or open outwards with locks that are operable from the outside, non-slip flooring in the bathroom, and all units are specifically designated as ground level accommodation.

Applying For Amenity Housing

Amenity housing will normally only be allocated to applicants aged 50 years and over, (this age will be used as a guideline, however, if an applicant who is under fifty demonstrates a need for amenity housing, they will be considered accordingly).

Selecting Applicants for Amenity Housing

Applicants will be selected for amenity housing based on their housing need in accordance with the rules set out in 'How points are awarded' section of the South Ayrshire Council Allocations Policy.  Applicants can be placed on the ground level/amenity housing list by expressing a desire for such accommodation, however, priority for selection will normally be given to applicants who demonstrate the greatest housing need on medical grounds.

The process of determining need for amenity housing will be based on the assessment criteria used for selecting applicants for ground level accommodation. 

The following factors will be taken into consideration when determining need for amenity housing:

• The housing application should be for ground-floor housing
• Applicants who have a medical condition affecting mobility, i.e. difficulty with walking or climbing stairs should be given priority.
• A move to ground level/amenity housing would benefit the applicant or improve the medical condition or existing circumstances of the applicant.
• The urgency with which the applicant requires to be re-housed should be taken into account.
• The age of the applicant, i.e an applicant may not have a qualifying medical condition, but still demonstrate a need for amenity/ground level housing due to age.