National Outcome 10

NO10 - We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need

We are commited to providing affordable housing that

- is fit for the 21st Century; and

- meets the needs and expectations of our customers.

Progress towards meeting the SHQS during 2008/09 was not as significant as had been hoped. This was largely due to a prolonged legal challenge to the award of a framework contract for heating replacement. However, we have made good progress in the Modern Facilities and Healthy Safe and Secure aspects of the Standard. It is also worth noting that our overall compliance position is slightly above the Scottish average which stands at 36%.

We plan to improve our compliance with the SHQS to 48% by 2010.  This is reflected within the both the City's Local Housing Strategy and SHQS Standard Delivery Plan.

LO10A Neighbourhood Planning delivers quality of life improvements at a local level

Measure

Performance

Note

% of adult residents stating their neighbourhood as a ‘very good’ or ‘fairly good’ place to live

This question was included in a city-wide residents' survey 2009.

Measure

Performance

Note

% of public buildings suitable and accessible to people with disabilities

During the past financial year there has been a modest improvement of 3.1% of public buildings deemed accessible compared to the previous year. Of the 155 properties assessed 125 were deemed to be accessible. It was recognised that as all the ‘quick win’ projects had been completed, the year on year percentage improvement would reduce as the buildings that are still not accessible are those that require a considerable amount of work to be undertaken together with the requirement for a significant investment. As a result of this, a considerable amount of the work that has been carried out over the past year has been on further improving buildings that were previously assessed as being accessible to improve their provision to above the minimum basic requirements.

5 buildings that were previously assessed as “not accessible” have now been assessed as “accessible.” The revolving door at the Beach Leisure Centre was also replaced during the past financial year. Whilst this building was already assessed as accessible, the revolving door and the side swing doors made it easier for sporting wheelchair groups with specialist wheelchairs to access the building. By replacing these doors access has been further improved. It has also meant that a PAMIS bicycle for use along the Beach Esplanade can be easily moved in and out of the building which will be of benefit to specific groups.

Access Audits were carried out on a further 10 buildings last year and the recommendations contained within these audits will be analysed to establish what further works are required to the buildings audited.

LO10B Integrate employment, housing and community services within settlements.  Enhance the total environment in social housing areas.

Measure

Performance

Note

No. of affordable houses developed

2007/08 77 new affordable houses completed in the City.

2009/10 - year to date = 18

2009/10 - likely additional completions = 164

The Local Housing Strategy set a target of 1,750 or 350 per annum for the 5 years 2006 - 11

The Council will complete 33 extra care affordable housing for rent in August 2009. Further units are being developed by the Council: 28 units at Byron Park, 27 units at Hayton Road and 27 units at Rorie Hall with a completion in 2011.

Measure

Performance

Note

% of houses meeting Scottish Housing Quality Standard

This figure represents the percentage of Aberdeen City Council houses passing the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and not all social housing in the City. We continue to make steady progress towards SHQS compliance. However, our progress towards meeting the overall targets set in our Delivery Plan have been frustrated during 2008/09 by a prolonged legal challenge to a framework contract for the replacement of heating systems.