Some of the most vulnerable people are being denied vital equipment and aids to live safely and comfortably in their own homes – because of Scottish Government incompetence.
Registered social landlords (RSL) and housing groups are still waiting to hear how much money they will have to spend to improve the homes of tenants with additional needs to live independently.
But months down the line, there has been no announcement by the SNP Government as to how the £8.245 million to be spend on adaptations will be divided up.
Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson described the situation as “scandalous” and demonstrated yet again the sheer “incompetence” of government ministers.
He said: “The whole thing is scandalous and seriously affecting the lives of many people who need aids and adaptations to their homes in order to remain independent.
“I know of one case where a woman required a wet room to be fitted to her property as well as improved disabled access due to her reduced mobility following a stroke.
“But Wheatley have been unable to carry out this work as they are still waiting to be informed what financial resources they will be receiving.
“Other housing organisations are in a similar situation and have had to put everything on hold because the SNP Government cannot get their act together.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP added: “This should have been dealt with as a matter of urgency months ago.
“And from what I have been told it could be some weeks yet before an announcement is made.
“One woman is unable to leave her property by herself and relies solely upon her family supporting her to do so. However some weeks she is unable to leave despite requiring dialysis several times a week.
“This lady is just the tip of the iceberg with many more struggling to remain independent in their own homes because essential work has not been carried out.
Mr Carson wrote to the Scottish Government asking when registered social landlords would be advised of their budget allocation for aids and adaptations.
In his response, Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Since the integration of health and social care, most funding for aids and adaptations for all housing sectors comes from Health and Social Care Partnerships.
“Housing adaptations are structural changes to a property made to support a individual to live safely and independently at home.”
The Minister continued: “The budget allocation process for the 2024-25 RSLs Adaptations Programme is underway. My officials will contact RSLs directly with information on their funding allocation once the process has been concluded.
“I expect this to be in the coming weeks.”
The boss of one housing organisation revealed the budget delays had created “significant challenges”.
Audrey Simpson, CEO of Cairn Housing Group, said: “As an organisation committed to supporting tenants to live safely and comfortably in their homes, the lack of confirmation on our aids and adaptations budget is creating significant challenges.
“We currently have 46 tenants awaiting vital adaptations, 27 of whom are high priority, but we are unable to progress without clarity on our funding.
“While we requested £600,000 for this financial year to meet the growing demand, we are almost halfway through the year without knowing what resources we will have.”
She explained: “Last year, we were only awarded £225,000 of the £500,000 requested, further underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable funding solution.
“We understand the financial pressures on the Scottish Government, but this uncertainty puts us and our tenants in a difficult position, with those most in need left waiting.”
