In this issue: Connecting Scotland Landlord Report Survey New Housing in East Lothian ELTRP News - AUTUMN/WINTER 2021 - East Lothian Council
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The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants AUTUMN/WINTER 2021
In this issue:
Connecting Scotland
Landlord Report Survey
New Housing in East Lothian
ELTRP News
www.eastlothian.gov.uk
Contents
In this issue of Homefront
You & Your Community
Digital Update 4
Connected Communities 6
Mental Health Support 8
Dementia Support 9
Cancer Journey 10
Volunteer Centre East Lothian 11
ELTRP News 12
Money Matters
Help with rent arrears 16
Financial Inclusion Service 18
Housing News
Harkness Crescent TRA 19
Household Form 20
Focal Point Fireplaces 21
LIFT 22
New Homes for Veterans 24
New Affordable Homes 26
New Letting Areas 27
Downsizing Survey 28
Landlord Report 29
Getting Ready for Winter 30
Useful numbers 32 If you need Homefront
in another format e.g.
Large Print, audio, or
Homefront is East Lothian Council’s
in your own language,
newsletter for its tenants. Follow us on please call
@ELCouncil, or East Lothian Council 01620 827199.
Receiving
Homefront
by email
In the past, all of our copies of
Homefront were sent out to
tenants by post, however due to
restrictions over the last year the
council has used various other
means of getting all types of
information out to tenants and
communicating with them.
This led to our last edition of If you have now received a paper
Homefront, which was sent out copy of Homefront and want to
towards the end of 2020, being receive any future copies by email,
sent out by either e-mail where we please contact your area housing
had an e-mail address noted on our office and ask that your contact
system or by paper copy. We usually details be updated to include your
record tenants e-mail addresses email address. Or the next time you
when they have contacted the are in contact with the council eg.
council for things like applying for for a repair, ask them to record your
housing or reporting a repair. email address on our system.
Housing:
help is here
The council’s website has lots of
advice on housing issues including
how to request repairs, asking for
help if you think you can’t pay your
rent, or what to do if you have
problems with your neighbours.
Visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/housing
3
You & Your Community
Digital Update
Connecting
Scotland
Throughout the pandemic and various
stages of lockdown, the need for people and
communities to remain connected to each
other has never been more important.
East Lothian Council rolled out the For Tenancy Support Officers (TSOs)
Scottish Government’s Connecting the ability to access Ipads or laptops
Scotland programme, offering digital with internet access has been vital.
equipment and internet access to
those in need of it. For their tenants who received
devices they have been a lifeline for
Throughout the pandemic, the helping them with their Universal
internet kept us connected to friends Credit claims, online shopping and
and family, informed and entertained keeping in touch with family and
and enabled us to learn, work, shop friends on social media.
and access health information and They told us their stories.
other public services.
One TSO told us:
However, some people couldn’t
“My clients are now able to update
access these benefits because
their Universal Credit claims as
they didn’t have the confidence,
changes occur. They are now
equipment or connectivity at home.
familiar with the screens and
can check payments etc online.
Connecting Scotland is working
Before receiving their devices they
to change this and help get every
often had to make lengthy calls to
citizen in Scotland online.
Universal Credit to report changes or
query payments”.
connecting.scot
4 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021
Images © Shutterstock
Another said: Additionally, she is venturing into
the world of social media so she
“One tenant I support has significant
can keep up with her local lunch
physical and mental impairments,
club and other pals. As her support
lives alone with a care package in
worker, it’s a joy to see her becoming
place and has been really isolated
more involved in every day decision
during lockdown. She was reliant on
making and great to see her
carers and family members to do
becoming better connected.”
her shopping and to pay her bills as
she can’t get out and about much.
However, we were lucky to get an
If you need support with
Ipad and unlimited internet access
getting online and think
for her through Connecting Scotland
the Connecting Scotland
which is incredibly life enriching
programme could benefit
for her because now, with support,
you, please contact your
she is able to choose what she
TSO. Or you can call the
wants in her weekly shop and do
People Know How helpline
her own shopping and she has
if you need a device or even
recently decided that she wants to
if you need help connecting
have frozen meals delivered and is
using your own device.
looking forward to doing her own
menu planning each week. T. 0800 059 0690
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 5
You & Your Community
Connected
Communities
Meet
Emma
Brown
I’m the Connected Communities
Manager for the Preston Seton
Gosford Area, which covers
Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port
Seton and Longniddry (PSG).
I started with East Lothian Council in
April 2020, not long after our team
had been restructured and the start
of COVID-19, so we, as with most
people, have been adjusting to doing
our jobs flexibly and supporting
communities with changing needs.
The Connected Communities team
was launched in March 2020 and
covers Community Learning and
Development, including community
centres, supporting school clusters,
community planning, community
councils and area partnerships.
There are six Connected Communities
managers to reflect the six area
partnerships in East Lothian and we
act as a key contact for community
members and organisations.
East Lothian Fareshare Hub
6 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021
You & Your Community
We are a great point of contact for In May 2020 we established and
linking organisations and contacts staffed an East Lothian Fareshare
together and being aware of what is Hub for organisations across East
taking place in our areas. Lothian to access free food for their
pantries or meal services, delivering
Working with communities and or arranging collections of over 225
ensuring that their voice is embedded van loads for 13 months.
in decision making and plans is key.
Within each area we have an Area All these services were undertaken
Plan which identifies what the needs in partnership with the Cockenzie
are within the specific communities and Port Seton Resilience Team
and how we can, as members and volunteers, Heavy Sounds CIC, ELC
communities, assist to address these Transport, Property Maintenance
needs.With COVID we have been and Community Wardens, Fareshare
re-looking at how the needs in our South and East.
communities might be changing.
Thanks to everyone
In the last 18 months, the Connected for your support!
Communities team has been
responding to the developing needs of
COVID-19 in a practical way. In PSG
this involved cooking over 500 meals
a week for delivery to vulnerable
people, delivery of lunches for those
eligible for free school meals, assisting
vulnerable people with shielding
boxes, telephone befriending service,
managing kindness funds, setting up
food pantries and delivering hearing
aid batteries.
To find out more about East Emma Brown
Lothian’s Area Partnerships, visit: Connected Communities Manager –
Preston Seton Gosford
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/
areapartnerships
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 7
Image © Shutterstock
You & Your Community
Struggling There is now a quicker way
with your to access a wide range of
mental health specialists. Care
When It Counts (CWIC) Mental
mental Health is a primary care service
for people in East Lothian aged
health? over 17 years and 9 months.
The team includes mental health We refer and signpost to other
occupational therapists, mental services such as community
health nurses and primary care projects and other NHS services
administrators and can: such as psychological therapies,
Community Mental Health Team
• l isten to you and work with you and psychiatry. We work closely
to help you find better ways to with GP practices, Adult Mental
manage your mental health Health services and local third
• h
elp you come up with plans sector services to help you get the
to manage ongoing mental right support for your needs.
health issues by offering a
compassionate approach, Our service is available Monday
specialist skills and an to Friday - 9am to 4pm. Our
understanding of how past phone number is 01620 642 963.
experiences can impact how Our Business Support Team will
we feel now ask you for brief details. They
will then book you a 30-minute
• w
ork closely with your General appointment with a mental
Practitioner (GP), for example, health specialist by phone, Near
about medication Me (video consultation) or face-
to-face (restrictions allowing).
• p
revent mental illness and
promote mental wellbeing and
hope for the future
Please note that this is not an
• h
elp you to set goals and reach emergency service. If you are
your potential in all activities experiencing a life-threatening
including work and college. emergency, please call 999.
8 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021
You & Your Community
Dementia
support
THE HERBERT PROTOCOL is a nationally recognised scheme focused on
people living with dementia who may be at risk of going missing.
The main aim of the Herbert Protocol form is that it is completed in advance so
that significant information is recorded and readily available for police in the
event of someone going missing. It can help the police to find someone who
goes missing more quickly.
People who care for someone with dementia can fill out a form with details about
the person including where the person grew up, favourite
places, and a picture of the person with consent to
share this on social media should it be required. The
form is then kept somewhere safe in the person’s
household. If the person goes missing, the form
helps police to quickly access important
information to help find them.
Find out more and download the form
https://www.scotland.police.uk/
your-community/the-lothians-and-scottish-borders/
In addition to the Herbert Protocol, PURPLE ALERT is another useful tool.
It’s a community minded app for people with dementia if they are missing –
designed by people living with dementia and carers, Alzheimer Scotland staff,
Police Scotland, Social Work, Dementia Friends Scotland, Health and Social Care
Partnerships and Telecare Services.
The app alerts members of the community when a person with dementia loses
their way and becomes separated from their loved ones,
friends or carers. It uses GPS to alert people within
a 30 mile radius and gives updates on sightings
https://www.alzscot.org/purplealert
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 9
You & Your Community
Pioneering new support service for
cancer patients in East Lothian
People affected by cancer in East Lothian now have access to
a new service that can offer emotional, practical and financial
advice and support – with just one phonecall.
There are two link workers in East Although Improving the Cancer
Lothian delivering the ‘Improving Journey is new in East Lothian, people
the Cancer Journey’ service, which who have used the service in other
provides advice, information and areas of Scotland have valued having
support on a whole range of non- local support and being able to talk
medical issues related to having a through things and think about their
diagnosis of cancer and is open to choices.
anyone with cancer and their family
or carers, at any stage of the illness. ‘Since my appointment I feel
Doctors and other health or social care so much less anxious and
professionals can also refer people to gaining my confidence again’
the service.
Every newly diagnosed cancer patient ‘I hadn’t realised how much
in East Lothian will also be sent a letter things were getting to me. It
offering a session with a link worker was so useful to think about
to help them access a wide range of these things and then go
support, from benefits advice and through it with you.’
emotional support to help at home or
with other practical needs. The numbers and email below will
take you to the friendly Lothian
Macmillan Cancer Support is investing Admin team, Emma and Sandra,
£2.8m across Edinburgh and the who will set up your appointment
Lothians to introduce the Improving with Kathleen or Lorna – our East
the Cancer Journey programme, Lothian ICJ Link Workers.
working with East Lothian Health and
Social Care Partnership. Call 07977 307 286 or
07929 784315 or email
loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
10 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021You & Your Community
Volunteer Centre East Lothian Working in partnership with the
(VCEL) is here to help you find Community Integrated Rehabilitation
volunteering opportunities Team, the Community Support
throughout the Lothians or locally, Service provides patients with
if you want to give something information, assistance, and
back to your community. access to local volunteers when
they have been assessed as ready
If you are involved with a local for discharge from hospital. This
community group or charity, we ensures that people get back to their
can help you recruit volunteers, find homes in a safe and supported way.
funding, train your trustees, provide
you with templates for policies or Engage, a youth-befriending
support you to become a constituted project, works with young people
group or charity. Partly funded by the aged 8-14 who fall into any of the
Scottish Government, most of these following groups: looked after
services are free. children, siblings of additional needs
children, young people attached to
We also provide local initiatives that mental health services, and those
focus on supporting those in need with chaotic lifestyles and home
across East Lothian. environments.
(Continues overleaf)
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 11You & Your Community
Volunteer Centre
East Lothian (continued)
Volunteer befrienders aim to have The Fa’side Community Pantry
lots of fun with the young people offers individuals and families in the
while fostering a culture of healthy Fa’side area a dignified method of
self-respect, positivity, increased accessing essentials like food and
self-confidence and motivation. toiletries. The pantry has invaluable
support from organisations such
We hope to bring positivity to as Fareshare, local retailers and the
children that are experiencing very Lothian branch of Unison. It’s open
difficult and challenging lifestyles. Monday-Friday, 9.30-12 at the VCEL
office at 56 High Street, Tranent
The East Lothian Community
Taskforce is part of the East Lothian More recently the Kindness Café
Caring Communities initiative which opened, also at the VCEL office
developed following the fantastic in Tranent High Street. Operating
work already undertaken by many Monday-Thursday 10am-12, the café
of our local partners in response gives anyone the opportunity to pop
to recent COVID-19 challenges. in for a cup of tea and a biscuit and
Volunteers help with occasional make new friends, catch up with old
tasks such as prescription collection ones and just have a chat.
and deliveries, walking dogs, tidying
gardens, a 10-minute doorstep
chat, accompanying people to an
appointment and shopping.
If you would like to support any of our
initiatives, search for a volunteering
opportunity or need assistance for your
group we’d love to hear from you. Please
call on 01875 615423 or email us on
admin@volunteereastlothian.org.uk
Kindness Café
12 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021ELTRP News
East Lothian Tenants
and Residents Panel Update
ELTRP AGM ELTRP Sparkle Awards
ELTRP Executive Committee is As many of you know ELTRP held its
planning its Annual General Meeting first ever Sparkle Awards last year
for Tuesday 28th September at via ZOOM. The awards were a great
6.30pm via ZOOM. success and everyone who attended
had a fantastic evening. The awards
As well as electing the Executive were a way of recognising all the
Committee, members will also have amazing work carried out by tenants
the opportunity to elect the local and residents throughout East Lothian.
tenants and residents’ representative
for the Area Partnerships. This year the Sparkle Awards will be
held on Thursday 16th December at
The theme for this year’s AGM is ‘The 6.30pm via ZOOM.
Financial Impact of COVID’. There will
be guest speakers to talk about what Please come along and support your
has happened in the past year to local group and enjoy the evening’s
assist tenants with food poverty, rent entertainment. You never know, you
arrears and general support. ELTRP or your local group may be in for a
has also invited East Lothian Council to surprise!
talk about its plans for going forward.
SAVE
THE
DATE!
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 13ELTRP News
Clarty Loan of the council, also agreed to fund
an upgrade of lighting to make the
walkway safer as it’s a popular shortcut
to the local shop, parks and school
with no traffic, so safe for the kids. Now
all the agreed work has been done
and it looks fantastic.
We can all achieve so much by
working together...
Local Groups Hallhill TRA, Dunbar
Ormiston West TRA The committee has moved to holding
‘Clarty Loan’ virtual meetings during the pandemic
The improvements to ‘Clarty Loan’ but is hoping to hold an open meeting
have been a joint venture between soon. As a few committee members
East Lothian Council, Walker Homes, have stood down recently, they are
and Ormiston West TRA. This path has looking for new members to help
been called ‘Clarty Loan’ as far back pursue the objectives and issues that
as anyone can remember but no-one are important to the local community.
seems to know exactly why it’s called
this. It was used by coal miners on The TRA was only set up in 2018 and, in
their way to and from work. Four coal 2019, was recognised as the best new
mines surrounded the village at one TRA. In 2020 it gained the Sparkle Award
point, so that may be the link. for ‘Contribution to the Community’.
With all the new builds in the north The group works very closely with
of the village, Ormiston West TRA community stakeholders, including
suggested that upgrading the path East Lothian Council, local councillors,
would be of great benefit to the local Dunbar Community Council,
community. They approached Walker Connected Communities, Dunbar and
Homes for some help, who agreed to East Linton Area Partnership, Police
fund the reinstatement of the path, with Scotland, Transport Scotland and
the work carried out by the council. housing developers – representing
The Local Housing Partnership, part 660 households.
14 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021ELTRP News
In the last couple of years they have Windsor Park Community,
managed to achieve; Musselburgh
Getting public transport provision
to Hallhill From 1996 to November 2018, Windsor
Park had an active Tenants and
Involvement in site / estate
Residents Association.
inspections with the council, factors
and housing developers
One of the group’s first projects was
Involvement in consultation installing a playpark, involving local
regarding Dunbear Park children in its content and design.
Working with the community
to resolve a serious antisocial There were issues with back lanes
behaviour issue so the group organised for gates
to be put in place and keys issued
Installation of a Postbox at Brodie to residents. They also tackled
Road/Moray Avenue overgrown green areas as well as
Remedial works to drains at organizing street parties celebrating
Gospatrick Grange special occasions such as the
Queen’s Golden Jubilee and royal
Field Drains to the rear of weddings. Pinkie St. Peter’s school was
Marquette Place given trophies to present to pupils for
Replanting of trees and shrubs achievement in education and sport.
donated from Taylor Wimpey
Marketing Suite Some members of the community are
interested in re-starting the group,
Objectives for the coming year include especially in light of the COVID-19
improving road safety; promoting pandemic, which has shown the
Hallhill as a safe place to live and importance of communities working
work; working with the factor to together and looking out for each other.
ensure value for money for services
and promoting positive working If you would like to be part of a new
relationships with all stakeholders. Tenants and Residents group for
Windsor Park, please get in touch with
Sue Cairns, Outreach Officer at ELTRP
If you would be interested in joining
by emailing scairns@tis.org.uk
the TRA, please contact Chairperson
Terry Prior by email: hhtra@gmail.com
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 15Money Matters
Help for tenants with rent arrears
The Coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on all our lives. As
well as health concerns, many households have struggled financially,
including keeping up-to-date with rent payments.
It’s really important to get advice
as soon as possible if you have fallen
behind with your payments. It’s also
important to claim any financial help
you’re entitled to if you’re struggling to
pay. We’ve included some helpful advice
from our Rent Income Team.
© Shutterstock
The most important thing is to
keep in touch with the council’s Be open and honest about your
Rent Income team. It’s important to situation and we’ll do what we can
contact us as early as possible to to help. If you’re struggling to pay
prevent the situation getting worse. your full rent, then let us know what
is affordable for you and we’ll work
with you to get you back on track.
If your circumstances have It can help to explain that you’re
changed and you find yourself dealing with money problems or give
worse off, get in touch. If you claim a reason why you’re not able to pay
Universal Credit (UC) or Housing the full amount immediately.
Benefit (HB), you may be able to
apply for a Discretionary Housing
Payment (DHP) which could be It’s important to work out what
a one-off payment or a number has caused the problem and get
of payments to help with your help to make sure it doesn’t get
housing costs. This payment is for worse. We have a Financial Inclusion
a short period of time only to assist team who can provide free and
households who have been subject confidential advice on any benefits
to financial hardship, so it could help or other financial support you may
you out in the short term. We can help be entitled to. They can also help
you to apply if you need assistance. you to apply if you need help.
16 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021Money Matters
Our leaflet Financial Support During
Coronavirus is available on the
council website and contains lots of
helpful information about various
If you’re claiming Universal forms of support available. Visit
Credit and are still struggling to www.eastlothian.gov.uk/coronavirus
pay your rent, The Department
for Work & Pensions may be able If you would like a paper copy, contact
to help. the Rent Income team and we’ll
arrange this for you.
You should contact the Phone 01620 827528 or email
Universal Credit rentincome@eastlothian.gov.uk
Freephone Helpline
on 0800 328 5644.
They can advise on:
Changing how they make
payments to you, for example
fortnightly instead of monthly
- this is known as
Scottish Choices
Paying you an advance
Paying your rent direct to
East Lothian Council
There’s
always
something we
can do, and we’ve
helped lots of tenants
who’ve been affected
by the pandemic,
so you’re not
alone.
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 17Money Matters
Financial Inclusion Service
Meet Keith telephone or email.
McDonald
Rewarding?
ello Keith, what
H Yes, most of the team have been
do you do? doing this for decades! People often
ello, I am the
H contact the team during a difficult
Team Leader for the period in their lives. Being able to
Financial Inclusion help with the money side of things
team can really take a huge weight off
people’s shoulders.
What’s that?
The short answer is income Anything else you would like to
maximisation. Longer answer - The tell me?
team help people look to see if they Yes, two things. First - We are quite a
have any entitlement to benefits, small team of five people and cover
we can also help to complete forms. the whole of East Lothian. If you do
We go all the way up to appeals and have an issue or a form that needs
help represent people at tribunals. completed by a certain date, please
contact us as soon as possible rather
That’s a good service, who can use it? than leaving it late. We really do want
If the person that needs the service to help, but we need time to help you.
lives in East Lothian, we can help.
Second – We have some really
How would somebody go about excellent advice on our website.
contacting you? After reading this I would strongly
There are two ways. Email us, or call recommend that you look at
and ask for Financial Inclusion. Leave www.eastlothian.gov.uk/coronavirus.
a short message with your name,
contact number and what the call is Even if you do not have an issue
about and we will return your call. now, it is worth a read to see what is
out there. You never know when this
Where is your team? could be helpful!
Well, because of everything that has
been happening since March 2020
Email Financial Inclusion Service:
we are still working from home.
financialinclusion@eastlothian.gov.uk
Things will change in the future but
or call us on 01620 827 827
for now just keep contacting us by
18 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021Housing News
Harkness
Crescent TRA
Since being formed in 2017, Work began in February 2019
Harkness Crescent Tenants and and the project has almost been
Residents Association (TRA) has completed.
achieved a huge amount – to the
benefit of the community. Not only do the communal areas
now look much more attractive,
Harkness Crescent is amenity they are more accessible to
housing in Tranent, owned by the residents and have created a
council and made up of 40 flats much better community spirit.
in four blocks, with surrounding The formation of a TRA has also
communal areas, parking bays brought the community closer
and shared back gardens. together. You will see tenants
outside knitting, having a cuppa,
Housing Officers had been planting and maintaining the
dealing with recurring issues for plants and generally supporting
some time and suggested the each other.
tenants formed a TRA.
Harkness Crescent TRA were
Once formed, the TRA came finalists in the 2019 Tenants
up with an action plan which Information Service Awards and
included making communal also won a ‘Contribution to the
areas more attractive; repairing Community Award’ at the 2020
paths; dealing with antisocial ELTRP Sparkle Awards.
behaviour, littering and dog
fouling; tackling inconsiderate If you would like support with
parking by non-residents; and setting up a TRA in your area,
even building greenhouses please speak to your Housing
and planting vegetables for the Officer who can help you take
community to use. this forward.
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 19Housing News
Household Forms
There are a number of reasons why you might want to make a change to
your tenancy. You may want to add a joint tenant, pass your tenancy on to
someone else, sub-let your home or even bring your tenancy to an end.
As your landlord, it is important that you let us know who is living in your tenancy.
This is because the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 introduced some legal changes
to your tenancy agreement with us.
For changes such as succession (passing on your tenancy to someone who
lives with you after your death) and assignation (giving your tenancy to someone
who lives with you) we would need to know that this person has been living with
you and how long they have been a member of your household.
What can happen if you don’t return your Household Form?
Here are two examples:-
1. Passing your tenancy on to someone who lives with you (succession).
A tenant sadly passed away.
Her son had previously returned to live
with her following the breakdown of his
relationship with his partner.
Unfortunately, neither the tenant nor her
son had returned a Household Form to
tell the council’s housing service that he
was back living with her.
As the housing service did not have a
Household Form noting him as staying in
the property – the tenant could not pass
her tenancy to him, as they had not
established his legal right to be there.
He then had to make arrangements for
somewhere else to live.
20 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021Housing News
Phasing out of
focal point fires
Do you have a focal point fire
in your home? Did you know
that focal point fires are a very
2. Giving your tenancy to someone inefficient method of heating?
who lives with you (assignation). The council is now phasing out
these appliances.
A tenant has accepted a promotion
from his employer which means a As part of the Energy Efficiency
move to their head office in Aberdeen. Standard for Social Housing (or
‘EESSH’), the council has a duty to
A friend has lived with the tenant for make sure our homes are as energy
the last 18 months but neither have efficient as possible. Through
making our homes better heated
completed and returned a Household
and insulated it not only makes
Form to let the council’s housing
our homes more environmentally
service know about it. friendly, it also ensures your energy
bills are reduced.
The tenant wanted his friend to take over
his tenancy when he moved away and We are now removing focal point fires
asked his Community Housing Officer to when a property is empty and during
arrange this on his behalf. Unfortunately, central heating upgrades. We will also
the Housing Officer was unable to do no longer repair any appliance that
this as there was no record of the friend becomes faulty – although we will of
being resident in the tenancy. course leave it safe.
As there was no Household Form, the While tenants are currently under no
obligation to have any working fire
tenant had to terminate his tenancy
removed, we are encouraging you to
and move away - his friend had to
have these fires removed on request.
make his own alternative arrangements.
If you would like to have your
We have sent a Household Form to focal point fire removed, please
all our tenants. If you need another contact Property Maintenance
copy, please contact the housing on 01875 824 311.
service on 01620 827827.
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 21Housing News
Get a LIFT The Scottish Government contributes
between 10% and 40% towards the
onto the property price and gets the same
percentage back when it is sold.
property Alternatively, buyers can increase
their share if they wish to at any
ladder in point in future.
East Lothian You can purchase any size of property
as long as you meet the financial
criteria and the property is large
enough to avoid overcrowding.
The LIFT (Low-cost Initiative
for First-Time Buyers) To be eligible, properties must be:
scheme helps first-time
Advertised for sale publicly
buyers and other priority e.g. on a website, and
groups, including current
council tenants, get onto the Priced within the maximum price
property ladder with Scottish threshold for the area.
Government support. In East Lothian, the current
maximum price thresholds are:
I wanted to get onto the
2 apartment
property ladder and have (1 bedroom)
£105,000
my own place. It was a great
experience from start to finish 3 apartment
(2 bedroom)
£145,000
going through the LIFT scheme
& I’ll be forever grateful I was 4 apartment
able to use this scheme to buy (3 bedroom)
£170,000
my own home. I would 100%
5 apartment
encourage (and have done)
(4 bedroom)
£220,000
people to go and speak to a
mortgage advisor to find out if 5 apartment
(6 bedroom)
£295,000
they are eligible. It’s worth it!
Stephanie, LIFT scheme buyer
22 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021Housing News
LIFT example:
A family of three with a household income of £35,000 per annum and savings of
£7,000 bought a two-bedroom property in East Lothian with the help of LIFT.
Property price: £145,000
Buyer contribution (deposit plus mortgage): £89,300
Scottish Government contribution: £55,700
In this example, the Scottish Government contributes 38% of the price and will
get the same percentage back when the property is sold, unless the buyer decides
to increase their share.
In addition to first-time buyers,
LIFT is open to: For more information, visit
www.linkhousing.org.uk/
Social renters
lift-tenants
People with a disability who can or text ‘LIFT’ to 66777.
demonstrate a housing need
Eligibility criteria apply. Always seek
Members of the armed forces and independent financial advice.
veterans who have left within the
past two years
Widows, widowers and other
partners of those who have lost
their lives while serving in the
armed forces within the last two
years
People aged over 60 who can
demonstrate a housing need (not
required to take a mortgage)
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 23Housing News
New Homes for
Veterans in Cockenzie
The former East Lothian Sam said.
Council Groundcare Depot site
at Osborne Terrace, Cockenzie “I am so grateful to
has been transformed into both Veterans Housing
six specially built homes for Scotland and East Lothian
veterans. Council for giving me this
There are six, two-bedroom flats opportunity, I am looking
including three that are fully forward to having Keria
wheelchair accessible. live with me again. She is
more than a dog to me, and
The council has worked with this is so much more than a
Veterans Housing Scotland to
new home, it is a new start.
arrange the tenancies of the
new flats. Thank you to everyone
concerned”
For Sam McGeachie, the move
also means a reunion with a The Osborne Terrace
beloved pet. Sam joined the development builds on the work
Royal Army Medical Corps in already being done to support
2009 and trained as a Combat veterans in East Lothian,
Medical Technician, serving including a housing allocations
with 2 Medical Regiment, Royal policy which awards points
Scots Dragoon Guards and 3rd specifically for those leaving a
Battalion The Rifles. She was service tenancy.
based in Germany for five years
and saw operational service in The council also signed an
Afghanistan. Armed Forces Covenant, which
involves a working group
She is excited about moving bringing together key partners
into her new home and being from the council, health,
reunited with her seven-year- education, service and veterans’
old German Shepherd cross organisations to create policies
companion dog Keria, who was and practices that will support
living with her parents in West armed forces personnel (serving
Lothian. and retired) and their families.
24 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021Housing News
Group Captain Bob Kemp is
Chairman of Veterans Housing
Scotland (VHS). He said:
“The VHS ethos is
‘building lives, building
communities’ and there
is no doubt that this
wonderful development
in Cockenzie is a
perfect demonstration
of that but also a
perfect example of
collaboration between
East Lothian Council
and VHS.
We are grateful to East
Lothian Council for their
support and for helping
us provide veterans
who are disabled with
homes in a place of their
choice that meets their
requirements.”
If you are an Armed Forces Veteran in need of any support
with housing-related issues, contact your Housing Officer
or Tenancy Support Officer for advice.
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 25Housing News
New affordable homes
available across East Lothian
Despite the closure of construction
sites for a significant part of last
year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the council continued to work with
developers to ensure as many new
affordable homes as possible are
made available across the county.
At the end of 2020, we took
ownership of 37 council houses, two
of which were built to be wheelchair-
accessible, at one of the largest new
developments in East Lothian, at
Letham Mains, Haddington.
Also at the end of last year, we took
One new tenant, Justine Holmes, was ownership of a further 19 new council
delighted and said the move had been homes; seven at Home Avenue, Dunbar
life-changing for her and her two and 12 at Pinkie, Musselburgh; plus
children. She said: six flats for veterans in Cockenzie,
which you can read about in another
e have had a hard three years. I was
W Homefront article in this issue (p25).
made redundant and we lost our home
as it was tied to my job. We spent a In 2021, we anticipate taking
year in temporary accommodation ownership of a further 60 new
and it was made even harder during council properties; 37 at Tynemount,
lockdown as the property was really Ormiston, 18 at Craighall, Musselburgh
too small for our needs. and 15 at Blindwells, Tranent.
We are so happy with our forever There will be many more affordable
home. We no longer feel we are living homes available through our housing
on top of each other and the kids love association partners and through
having their beautiful garden. other tenures such as Mid Market Rent
and Low Cost Home Ownership.
26 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021Housing News
New Housing Lettings Areas
for East Lothian
Two new lettings areas will be added to the council’s housing application
forms and housing system in the coming few months to prepare for new
areas of mixed housing at Blindwells and Craighall, Musselburgh.
The Blindwells Development is a whole Thirty four properties at Craighall will
new town for East Lothian and will be completed in phases between
include schools, a nursery, shops and late 2021 and mid 2022.
leisure facilities.
There are:
Sixty council properties are due to 16 two bed terraced houses
be completed by Cruden Homes at 8 three bed terraced houses
Blindwells by Summer 2022. 2 four bed terraced houses
8 one bed cottage flats
There are:
17 two-bed terraced houses If you have an application
4 four-bed terraced houses for housing with East Lothian
11 three bed terraced houses Council and have chosen Tranent
12 two bed cottage flats or Musselburgh areas, your
12 one bed cottage flats Community Housing Officer will be in
4 two bed wheelchair flats contact with you to enquire whether
you wish the new area(s) to be
The Craighall lettings area is situated
included on your application.
towards OldCraighall and the A1
access road from Monktonhall and For those who do not have an active
will also have a mixture of owner- application these areas will shortly
occupier and council properties. be added to the application form.
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 27Housing News
Landlord Report
to Tenants
We are currently working with ELTRP (East Lothian Tenants and Residents
Panel) to produce our annual Landlord Report, with information on how we
performed as a landlord in 2020-21.
As a social landlord, we have to The pandemic has presented
report to the Scottish Housing significant challenges to us as a
Regulator (SHR), who assesses our housing service, in how we deliver
performance. The SHR asks us to our services and support our tenants.
report to our tenants on a range
of things such as rent collection, We have at times only been able to
repairs, keeping tenants informed, carry out essential and emergency
antisocial behaviour etc. services in line with government
guidelines. This has affected things
A full list is available on the Scottish like our modernisation programme
Housing Regulator site: and upgrades to our housing stock
www.housingregulator.gov.scot over the past year. Despite these
challenges, we have still managed
It is important to note that this to achieve
report covers the period from April a lot.
2020 to March 2021 during the full
impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report will be published
in October 2021 and added
to the council’s website at
www.eastlothian.gov.uk
or paper copies can be
provided by contacting your
local Area Housing Office.
ELC Landlord Report 2019/20
28 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021Housing News
Our Key
Achievements
this year:
461 80 27 27 MAJOR
ADAPTATIONS
ORGANISED WE COMPLETED
NEW LETS ON NEW BUILD
WE BOUGHT 13
A TOTAL OF 461
PROPERTIES
PROPERTIES
13 PROPERTIES FOR
RENT THROUGH OPEN
DURING THE YEAR
MARKET ACQUISITION
WE CARRIED OUT WE CARRIED OUT (this is when we purchase properties which are advertised
on the open market. The majority of these will be when we
have a need for the property size)
18
2,
THE PERCENTAGE OF OUR
36
,6
19
5
PROPERTIES MEETING THE
NON- EESSH STANDARD INCREASED TO
EMERGENCY
86.63%
EMERGENCY REPAIRS
REPAIRS
IMPROVEMENT IN
RENT COLLECTION NEW NEW BATHROOM
KITCHEN
RATES, UP TO INSTALLATIONS
INSTALLATIONS
102.11% 108 144
WE SAW A AVERAGE
REDUCTION IN RENT
TURNAROUND TIME
51
ARREARS DOWN TO
IN RE-LETTING
5.87% PROPERTIES THAT
DAYS
(6.29% LAST YEAR) HAVE BEEN VACATED
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 29Housing News
Downsizing Survey
In June 2021 a downsizing survey was sent out to all tenants
in three & four bedroom properties.
The survey asked a number of questions in East Lothian and owned by:
around the downsizing incentives and
what additional help or support the East Lothian Council
council could provide to encourage
A Housing Association/
tenants to move to a smaller property.
Registered Social Landlord
The results of the survey are now being A house that is in shared
collated and will be used to improve ownership, where one of the
our service. sharing owners is a Housing
Association/Registered
If you wish to downsize you should
Social Landlord
contact your Area Housing Office. Your
Community Housing Officer can help
The transfer must not lead to
you complete a housing application
overcrowding and must be consistent
form and also give advice on your
with the council’s Allocations Policy
housing options and types of properties
occupation levels (except in the case
which would be suitable for you.
of single applicants who may wish to
have an additional bedroom for family
Downsizing Grant – is a payment visits or care)
for those who are either transferring
or mutually exchanging to another The grant amount is £2000 with an
property. additional £1000 for each bedroom
downsized.
Eligibility Criteria
The grant can only be paid to an *Please note that tenants with
outgoing tenant of East Lothian outstanding debts to the council for
Council. The outgoing tenant must things like Council Tax or repairs will
move to a smaller house (including have the amount subtracted from their
sheltered or amenity housing) located grant payment.
If you wish to discuss this further please contact your local Area Housing
Office or telephone 01620 827 827. Further details can be found on the
council website www.eastlothian.gov.uk
30 Homefront I AUTUMN 2021Housing News
Get ready
for winter As if COVID-19 hasn’t caused
us enough worry, winter is just
around the corner, and it makes
more sense than ever to be
prepared for any emergencies.
Image © Shutterstock
To report a power cut in your
area, or check on the status of your
Here are some top supply, call 105 regardless of who
tips to help you - you get your energy from.
If you’re in a rural community not
Stock up on essentials for your served by mains gas, make sure you
home or your car such as an ice keep an eye on your fuel levels.
scraper and de-icer, a torch and Deliveries can struggle to access
spare batteries, a snow shovel, remote locations in heavy snow.
warm clothes, boots and a blanket.
If you’re taking on a long journey,
Gather telephone numbers for
check the weather and travel
friends and neighbours who might
reports and consider taking snacks
be vulnerable in prolonged poor
and a hot drink with you. Charge
weather.
your phone before you go and/or
take an in-car charger with you. Do you live in a flood area?
Register with Floodline for early
warnings on 0345 988 1188.
Make sure your gutters and drains
are clear of leaves and debris and
insulate outdoor taps to avoid
damage caused by freezing water. Key numbers
Keeping your heating on a low Police (non-emergency): 101
setting can help to avoid burst pipes NHS 24 (non-emergency): 111
in your home. If heating your home Power cuts: 105
is a concern speak to Home Energy Council emergency repairs (council
Scotland on 0808 808 2282. tenants only): 01875 612818
The newsletter for East Lothian Council tenants 31Get in touch
AREA OFFICES - TEL 01620 827 827
All housing offices are closed to the public although customers can still attend
The Brunton (Musselburgh) or John Muir House (Haddington). Please only visit if
it is essential (by appointment only) and make contact with us by phone or email
in the meantime.
MUSSELBURGH HADDINGTON
The Brunton, Ladywell Way John Muir House, Brewery Park
musselburgharea@eastlothian.gov.uk haddeast@eastlothian.gov.uk
PRESTONPANS NORTH BERWICK
Aldhammer House, High Street Library & Customer Services, School Road
prestonpansarea@eastlothian.gov.uk housingnorthberwick@eastlothian.gov.uk
TRANENT DUNBAR
George Johnston Centre, Bleachingfield Centre,
Winton Place Countess Crescent
tranentarea@eastlothian.gov.uk housingdunbar@eastlothian.gov.uk
Benefits Scottish Welfare Fund Antisocial Behaviour
01620 827730 01620 828790 01875 824 307
Council tax Social work Gas Leaks
01875 824314 01875 824309 0800 111 999
Housing Special uplift
01620 827827 01875 824305
Homelessness Switchboard
01620 827536 01620 827827
Repairs Welfare Rights
01875 824311 01620 827827
If you need Homefront in another format
e.g. Large Print, audio, or in your own
Spotted a broken street light?
language, please call 01620 827199. Pothole? Fly tipping?
01875 824 305
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/reportit
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