Housing Allocations Policy

Sheltered Housing

Introduction

There are significant differences between sheltered houses and the Council's other, mainstream properties. Therefore, as well as outlining the allocation rules and procedures, there are two sections ('What is Sheltered Housing & Applying for Sheltered Housing') which give general information on Sheltered Housing.

WHAT IS SHELTERED HOUSING?

The Council's sheltered housing units (SHU) allow disabled people, people with learning disabilities and people aged 60 or more to retain a high degree of independence within their own homes. This is achieved, firstly, through the presence of a warden and, secondly, by the incorporation of a number of features and facilities designed to meet the needs of elderly and disabled residents. Further information about sheltered housing is available from any Area Office (see 'How to Apply for Housing').

The Warden Service

Each SHU has a warden whose role is essentially that of a "good neighbour". The warden is not employed as a nurse or a home help and will not be involved in administering medicines or helping with residents' shopping. In general, a warden's duties can be grouped under four headings:

1. General assistance and support to residents
2. Responding to emergencies
3. Encouraging residents' social activities
4. Liaising with outside services and agencies

Design Features and Facilities for Residents

On most developments, the individual houses have been equipped with amenities which are specifically designed to meet the needs of elderly residents. These features normally include a 2-way speech intercom system linked to the warden, pull cords in each room to summon the warden in the event of an emergency, high level electrical sockets, non-slip flooring and grab rails next to the bath and W.C. All properties are fitted with a Community Alarm System which links directly to the Council's Monitoring Station (SAMS). If the tenant needs help they can press the button and speak to the staff at SAMS 24 hours a day.

There are also a number of communal facilities such as a laundry, a residents lounge and kitchen, an office for the warden and a bedsit for tenants' visitors on some newer SHU's.

APPLYING FOR SHELTERED HOUSING

Applicants for Sheltered Housing shall complete an application form and a short questionnaire giving additional details of their personal needs and health. The information provided by the applicants shall be used by the Divisional Housing Manager, firstly, to assess the suitability of the applicant for sheltered housing and, secondly, to then determine whether the applicant shall be classified as having a high, medium or low priority. Points shall be awarded to the application accordingly.

High priority cases refers to applicants where rehousing to sheltered accommodation is essential for the applicant or the joint applicant.

Medium priority cases refers to applicants where rehousing to sheltered accommodation would benefit them.

Low priority cases refers to applicants where rehousing to sheltered accommodation satisfies an aspiration, but is not essential nor of any specific benefit to the applicant.

Points for each category shall be awarded as follows:

High	12
Medium	8
Low	4

If the applicant urgently requires re-housing to sheltered accommodation due to one of the undernoted criteria, they shall be assessed in accordance with the Community Care Service User Category

(i) People who are being discharged from long term hospital care
(ii) People leaving residential care to move into the community
(iii) People who are at risk of reception into residential care or admission into hospital

Applicants who are currently tenants of a South Ayrshire SHU may apply to transfer to another SHU. Such transfer applications will be classified as a low priority, except where their current property has been assessed as unsuitable or the applicant currently lives in a property which is above ground level, without a lift, and he/ she wishes to transfer to a ground level SHU property.

Any applicant who transfers from the ground level medical list to the sheltered housing list (or vice versa) will have their waiting points calculated from the date of the first application

HOW POINTS ARE AWARDED

Applicants may be awarded additional points as follows:

For applicants who are currently South Ayrshire Tenants:-

Overcrowding
Under-occupation(excess number of bedrooms)
Length of Tenancy
Waiting Time

For applicants who are not South Ayrshire Council tenants:-

Overcrowding
Sharing Amenities
Living in unsatisfactory housing conditions
Waiting Time
Living in tied accommodation
Discharged from prison
Living in a caravan
No fixed abode

CHOOSING SHELTERED HOUSING UNITS

There are 27 SHU's (including those owned by Registered Social Landlords) across the district. Each applicant may choose any number of SHU's

Letting Districts	Sheltered Housing Developments	No. of Properties
Ayr North	Elba Gardens George Street/ James Street/ Elba Court/ Content Street Limonds Court/ Syms Lane. Morrison Gardens. Whitletts Court. Newton Park Court.	40 25 38 24 23 30
Ayr South	Mill Street (Trust Housing Association) Orchard Avenue (West of Scotland Housing Association) Gallowhill Quadrant/ Sundrum Park, John Hodge Court, Coylton. Arcon Court, Mossblown	31 20 25 19
Prestwick	Benmore, Ardfin/Adamton Road. Lichtenfels Gardens. Alexandra Court (West of Scotland Housing Association).	58 32 21
Troon	Bradan Road. Logan Drive. Millrock Court/ Panrock Court. St Meddans Court. Sandhill Gardens. Walker Avenue. Fullerton Avenue/ Newfield Drive, Dundonald. Princes Square (Hanover Housing Association)	32 58 30 23 25 28 27 26
Maybole	Crosne Street/ High Street.	16
Girvan	Boyle Court. McConnell Square. Old Street (Trust Housing Association)	23 28 23*

* There are also 8 "extra-care" properties on this development.