DirApp - FINAL - Scheme of Assistance Council Report - 24 June Council combined with appendices - 12.06.26.docx
North Ayrshire Council · 24 June 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 24 June 2026 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 24 June 2026 North Ayrshire Council Title: Private Sector Housing: North Ayrshire Scheme of Assistance Purpose: To seek approval of the updated North Ayrshire Scheme of Assistance. Recommendation: That the Council approves the updated North Ayrshire Scheme of Assistance at Appendix 1. 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 72, local authorities have a statutory duty to produce a ‘Scheme of Assistance’ (SOA) to set out the supports that will be provided to landlords, tenants, and homeowners within the private housing sector to improve property condition and make adaptations to facilitate independent living. The SOA is also the primary support method through which empty homes are brought back into use and acts as a preventative measure to try and stop properties becoming uninhabited. 1.2. The North Ayrshire Council SOA was last reviewed and updated in 2019. Since the previous review, officers have provided advice to the private housing sector, worked to enhance property condition across North Ayrshire, tackled empty homes, and brought properties back into use. Building on this progress, a comprehensive review of the SOA has been undertaken in recent months to ensure it aligns with the latest legislation and Council priorities and is fit for purpose to tackle the changing pressures within the sector. 1.3. The two key purposes of the SOA are to: • Address disrepair in private sector homes by encouraging landlords and homeowners to recognise that they have primary responsibility for maintaining their properties • Help older people and people with accessibility needs, who are living in the private sector, carry out adaptations which enable them to live in their homes for as long as they choose to do so 1.4. The Scheme of Assistance details the information, advice, and practical assistance North Ayrshire Council will offer to help those living in the private sector to repair, maintain, improve, or adapt their homes, recognising that it is
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legally and financially the responsibility of homeowners and private landlords to repair and maintain their properties. 1.5. The North Ayrshire Local Housing Strategy (LHS) 2023-2028 was approved at Cabinet on 13 June 2023 and sets out the strategic priorities for tackling housing issues in the area during the five-year period. One of the actions within the LHS action plan is to: ‘Review and update our Scheme of Assistance to: • ensure the promotion of positive outcomes for people living with autism in the private housing sector • ensure inclusive engagement with hard-to-reach groups • ensure our literature is available in a format that is suitable for people with literacy and/ or sensory/ communication issues With the desired outcome – the publication of information, sign posting to advice services, alongside a planned refresh of the Scheme of Assistance.’ 1.6. Delivery of the desired outcomes within the private housing sector presents several significant challenges. Financial barriers remain a major issue, with many owners unable or unwilling to pay for essential lifecycle maintenance works such as roofing and rendering, which impacts property condition and can impact the wellbeing of neighbours. Limited Council resources constrain the scope of assistance available, while complex disrepair cases often require multi- agency coordination. Engagement with hard-to-reach groups also presents ongoing difficulties, including tackling empty homes which requires consistent owner cooperation. Adaptations funding is limited and subject to eligibility criteria but in some cases adaptations to a property may not be an option due to the physical constraints of the property itself. Finally, emerging legislative requirements, including the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 and Awaab’s Law, introduce new standards and compliance obligations and complexities for owners. 1.7. Against this backdrop, the Scheme of Assistance has been revised, and the updated document is set out at Appendix 1 for consideration. 2. Background 2.1. The latest review of the SOA and associated work of the Private Sector Advice Team has concluded that: • since April 2023, the Private Sector Advice Team have managed 1,390 enquiries across 1,286 properties • 174 properties were deemed to be below the tolerable standard and/or below the repairing standard over the same period above, 145 of which were subsequently resolved • 1,089 empty homes have been brought back into use since April 2023
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• the team has made effective use of systems and technology, mapping out and monitoring empty properties on a geographical basis, identifying hotspots, and providing targeted intervention • the team works effectively on a cross-service basis, involving colleagues in the wider Housing Service, but also including Building Standards, Environmental Health, and Licensing, taking a multi-disciplinary approach where required to tackle complex property condition and other issues • as a result of an officers’ review of the historical closing and demolition orders process, many properties that had been in disrepair were addressed. The remaining properties continue to be regularly monitored by the Private Sector Advice Team • the Private Sector Advice Team launched Missing Shares in April 2019 as part of the previous Scheme of Assistance review. Since 2022, the team has renewed its focus on tackling Missing Shares across North Ayrshire. Since successful conclusion of the first Missing Share in September 2019, 10 projects have been approved to date, assisting 63 owners with works totalling £0.355m • members of staff across Housing Services have participated in an ‘Introduction to Neurodiversity’ training event. The training provided staff with an opportunity to gain experience about neurodiversity, including conditions such as autism and ADHD, and an understanding of how to develop person-centred ways of supporting neurodivergent people in their homes 2.2. The review also identified new opportunities to build on the successes above and existing projects that were not included in the last SOA. These are set out in detail within the proposed updated SOA at Appendix 1 and are summarised as follows. Repairing Standard and Tolerable Standard The Scottish Government published refreshed statutory guidance for private landlords on the Repairing Standard in 2024. New measures in place from March 2024 include: • a requirement to have safely accessible food storage and food preparation space in a private rented house • a requirement to have a fixed heating system in a private rented house • where a private rented house is a flat in a tenement, the tenant must be able to safely access and use any common parts of the tenement, such as common closes. Common doors must be secure and fitted with satisfactory locks • the requirement for installations for the supply of electricity in a private rented house to be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order has been amended to specify that these must include a residual current device (a device to reduce the risk of electrocution and fire by breaking the circuit in the event of a fault)
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• the house should be free of lead pipes from the boundary stopcock to the kitchen tap, and that if this cannot be confirmed, a water quality test must be conducted • Section 16 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, which deals with exceptions to the landlord’s repairing duty, has also been amended to make it clear that a private rented house which is a flat in a tenement does not fail the repairing standard if work otherwise needed to comply with the standard cannot be carried out because a majority of owners in the tenement have refused consent to carry out the work 2.3. The latest Scheme of Assistance contains the updated information on the Tolerable Standard and the Repairing Standard. Landlord-to-Landlord Sales 2.4. During 2024, the Landlord-to-Landlord Sales scheme was introduced. This enables the Council’s Private Sector Advice Team to ‘match up’ a landlord (that has sitting tenants) with buyers. This can be for buyers who are either already in the letting market or are looking to enter the market. The Private Sector Advice Team manage the exchange of information and details to facilitate direct contact between purchaser and seller. 2.5. This service benefits tenants as it prevents upheaval, expense, and insecurity from any threat of homelessness. Additionally, any affected children will not be uprooted from school, friends, family, and surrounding support network. Officers continue to actively promote the service and its benefits and have recently partnered with the Homelessness Service to engage landlords issuing notices to leave, aiming to prevent households from losing their homes. While there is no uptake as yet, there have been 50 enquiries about the scheme to date. Matchmaker Scheme 2.6. On 1 December 2025, The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) launched a new national empty property Matchmaker Scheme which has replaced local schemes. The national scheme allows owners to list their empty homes on the SEHP website, and buyers can submit an enquiry directly to owners. Council Officers are working in partnership with SEHP and will continue to advertise the scheme to empty homeowners to support the reduction of empty homes in North Ayrshire. Housing Acquisition Strategy 2.7. The North Ayrshire Council Housing Acquisition Strategy was approved by Cabinet on 2 June 2026. The Strategy will support the ambition within the Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028 to bring empty homes back into use through acquisitions; the overarching aim of the Strategy is to increase the availability of permanent homes to meet the affordable housing need and demand in North Ayrshire.
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‘Early Doors’ Pilot Project 2.8. Under the proposed ‘Ask and Act’ duties in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, public bodies will be required to ask about a person’s housing situation early and take meaningful action to prevent homelessness. The £4 million national Test and Learn Prevention Pilot Fund supports public bodies and their third sector partners to test and scale new approaches to early intervention. In North Ayrshire, the ‘Early Doors’ pilot is overseen by the North Ayrshire Homelessness Task Force (Task Force members include representatives from Housing Services, CHAP, North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership, and Education Services), with CHAP acting as the lead organisation. 2.9. This pilot, which launched on 5 February 2026, is a 12-month initiative and will focus on supporting people in the private rented sector earlier, recognising many households in North Ayrshire can face a real risk of losing their home. Damp and Mould 2.10. The Scottish Government has committed to bringing Awaab’s Law into force from October 2026. North Ayrshire Council will continue to monitor the development of any regulations and guidance in relation to the private rented sector and will update the SOA and advice provided by officers as required. 2.11. The Private Sector Team have updated systems and processes to ensure cases on dampness and mould are being recorded appropriately, and to inform future reporting. Other Interventions 2.12. The SOA sets out a range of other interventions to improve property condition including: • continued provision of the successful Private Sector Advice Line, providing advice and guidance to landlords, tenants, and property owners • undertaking property inspections to establish breaches of the Tolerable and Repairing Standards • continuation of work with property owners, with a view to instructing improvements to deal with disrepair which causes a blight on our communities • continuing our multi-agency approach to tackling property disrepair and rogue letting agents and landlords, alongside the Licensing, Building Standards and Housing Advice Teams • re-establishing the Landlord Forum in North Ayrshire during 2026 • continued provision of the Pre-tenancy Support Service for landlords, providing free property inspections and tenancy agreement advice
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• Partnership working with Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to reduce the number of empty homes in North Ayrshire • Continued provision for the Missing Shares Policy to allow for common repairs to be conducted in tenement blocks where an owner is unable or unwilling to pay their share Adaptations 2.13. The SOA is required to set out the supports available to those in the private housing sector who require adaptations to their properties. North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) have a responsibility to assess a person’s needs and to arrange appropriate services. As funding is limited, the HSCP needs to ensure that it works with people in greatest need. To assist with this, an assessment process and associated eligibility criteria have been developed and implemented successfully. 2.14. If an adaptation to the home is the agreed solution, the Adaptations Service will confirm the applicant’s needs, the proposed works (subject to appropriate building warrants and planning permission), and priority for works. Tenants will be required to gain consent of their landlord and the consent of any other owners where the adaptation is likely to impact on common areas of property. 2.15. Applicants will be assisted through the grant application process to identify their entitlement of 80% or 100% towards the cost of the adaptation. Receipt of 100% is subject to income and benefit entitlement (or for those who can demonstrate financial hardship and have no resources). 2.16. Funding is available in the following situations: • to allow access within an applicant’s home to standard amenities • for the provision of an additional or replacement standard amenity • for an extension or structural adaptation to allow provision of, or access to, a standard amenity 2.17. If an applicant qualifies for financial assistance but is unable to afford the remaining 20% cost of the adaptation, the Partnership may be able to help. This support will only be provided in exceptional circumstances. Where Scheme of Assistance grant funding is provided, the HSCP can provide information and advice to tenants and landlords concerning reinstatement of a previously adapted property. 2.18. In some circumstances it may not be possible to adapt a person’s current home to meet their needs. This can happen for reasons such as: • there is not enough space to make the necessary changes
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• the method of how a house is constructed may make it very difficult or impossible to change 2.19. In some situations, other options may be suggested, and all other options will be discussed with the person during the assessment process. Other Considerations 2.20. A further consideration during the drafting of the revised SOA was the ‘Mixed Tenure Repairs & Maintenance Grant Fund’ motion which was considered at full Council in September 2025. The motion noted the growing financial pressures faced by private owners in Council factored blocks, particularly in relation to the affordability of major common repairs and maintenance. 2.21. The motion proposed in principle agreement to the establishment of a Mixed Tenure Repairs & Maintenance Grant Fund, with an initial budget of £0.5m, to be financed by redirecting Energy Smart and Transformation Funds in equal parts. 2.22. Following consideration of the motion and subsequent amendment, the Council instructed Officers to accelerate a review of the Council’s Scheme of Assistance, to include consideration of a means tested support fund for common repairs in Council factored blocks and how this might be funded and operated, should a case be demonstrated. 2.23. As instructed by full Council, Officers have assessed options to introduce a mixed tenure grant/loan to aid with repairs and maintenance for owners whose properties are owned in common with North Ayrshire Council’s housing stock (factored blocks). Any fund or loan option would be subject to budget availability and the establishment of eligibility criteria. 2.24. Throughout North Ayrshire there are 3,047 factored properties, of which 1,390 are privately owned and 1,657 NAC owned. Approximately 463 of the 1,390 private properties are owned by private landlords. Officers assessed three options, and a summary is provided within Table 1 below: Table 1 – Mixed tenure funding options Option Pros Cons Mixed tenure grant fund • Private owners would have the ability to access grant funding to allow them to progress with property lifecycle improvement works e.g., roofing, rendering or • Homeowners have responsibility for the maintenance and investment in their properties but also derive benefit from any increase in their property’s value. The provision of a grant to owners in
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common area works where costs are seen as prohibitive • Property condition for NAC properties would be improved in the mixed tenure blocks • Improved condition/ appearance of the wider estate • Improved health and wellbeing due to improved living/ property conditions • Reduced interventions/ repairs by the Factoring team mixed tenure blocks would potentially provide a financial advantage to some homeowners and create inequity of treatment. • Constrained funding environment - no current budget availability to implement a grant fund during 2026/27 • Resourcing and administrative burden to implement and manage a grant fund. A new Grade 7 Property Support Officer post would require to be created at a recurring annual cost of £42,871 to the General Fund. • Approximately 463 of 1,390 private owners in mixed tenure blocks are landlords who generally gain a profit from rental income and could benefit from grant funding. Mixed tenure loan fund • Private owners would have the ability to access a loan fund to allow them to progress with property lifecycle improvement works e.g., roofing, rendering or common area works where costs are seen as prohibitive • Property condition for NAC properties would be improved in the mixed tenure blocks • Improved condition/ appearance of the wider estate • Improved health and wellbeing of NAC tenants due to improved living/ property conditions • Homeowners have responsibility for the maintenance and investment in their properties but also derive benefit from any increase in their property’s value. The provision of an interest-free or low interest loan to owners in mixed tenure blocks would potentially provide a financial advantage to some homeowners and create inequity of treatment. • Constrained funding environment - no current budget availability to implement a grant fund during 2026/27 • Resourcing and administrative burden to implement and manage a loan fund. A new Grade 7 Property Support Officer post would require to be
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• Reduced interventions/ repairs by the Factoring team created at a recurring annual cost of £42,871 to the General Fund. • Approximately 463 of 1,390 private owners in mixed tenure blocks are landlords who generally gain a profit from rental income and equity • Legacy impact of such funds Repayment plan/options • 70% of factoring works were fully paid during 2024/25, with 6% partially paid • This option is an established process • Repayment plans take into account affordability for the owner • No additional resource or administration required to continue with this option • 24% of factoring works were unpaid for 2024/25 works 2.25 Officers have reviewed the North Ayrshire 2024/25 financial data relating to factoring works, involving the issuing of 256 invoices to private owners for factoring works at an average of £911 per invoice. 76% of factoring works for 2024/25 have been paid or partially paid. There are less than a quarter of works fully unpaid (61 invoices) for that year and these are being managed through the corporate debt recovery process. 2.26 The average value of unpaid invoices for 2024/25 (the most recent year currently available) is £55,571 (£911 x 61). However, a Grade 7 Property Support Officer, at a recurring annual cost of £42,871 to the General Fund, would be required to establish and administer any grant or loan fund. This does not take into account other associated resource costs, for example legal costs, and would represent an intervention benefitting less than 0.1% of North Ayrshire households annually. It is also noted that there is no budget currently available to establish the fund or resources required to operate it. 2.27 Under the SOA, primary legal and financial responsibility for repairing, maintaining, and improving private residential property lies with the homeowner. Councils operate these schemes to advise and support owners, rather than taking responsibility their maintenance responsibilities. All homes in
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private ownership require maintenance and investment, and the financial challenge of doing so is therefore not isolated to mixed tenure blocks. 2.28 In light of the above considerations, it is therefore recommended not to proceed with a mixed tenure grant/loan fund and instead to continue with the existing established process of giving owners the option of a repayment plan following receipt of an invoice. The Factoring team would continue to work with owners to participate in future capital improvements, with the support of the Private Sector Advice Team. 2.29 The Equality and Children’s Impact Assessment (ECRIA) for the revised SOA has been completed by Housing Services and reviewed by all contributors. Following approval of the Scheme of Assistance at Appendix 1, the ECRIA will be published on the Council’s website. 3 Proposals That the Council approves the updated North Ayrshire Scheme of Assistance at Appendix 1. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1. Any financial implications arising from the current projects and initiatives included within the Scheme of Assistance are reflected within existing capital and revenue budgets. Business cases will be developed to support emerging new initiatives, as required. Human Resources 4.2. The Scheme of Assistance is delivered by North Ayrshire Council Officers and relevant external partners, and is complemented by external expertise, where required. Legal 4.3. The development and monitoring of the Scheme of Assistance, which sets out the supports that will be provided to landlords, tenants and owners within the private housing sector to improve property condition and make adaptations to facilitate independent living in North Ayrshire, ensures compliance with the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. Legal services will provide assistance on a case-by-case basis. Equality/Socio-economic
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4.4. The SOA makes a positive contribution to equality by setting out a framework for the provision of adaptations to make existing properties more accessible, as well as taking action on property condition on behalf of vulnerable individuals. The SOA will support those with socio-economic disadvantage by providing advice, guidance, and in some cases financial assistance, in order to improve property condition or to provide adaptations to promote independent living Climate Change and Carbon 4.5. The Scheme of Assistance continues to support the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024 - 2027, which aims to eradicate fuel poverty and achieve net- zero carbon status by 2030. Key Priorities 4.6. The Scheme of Assistance continues to support the Council Plan strategic priorities: ‘Wellbeing;’ ‘Climate Change;’ ‘A Sustainable Council;’ and ‘Communities and Local Democracy.’ There is evidence that children and young people can benefit from improved cognitive development and a reduction in behavioural issues through living in a more attractive, warmer, and better ventilated environment. The strategy also aims to support our island communities and their economies. Community Wealth Building 4.7. The SOA, in in seeking to encourage and compel improvement to private housing quality, may provide opportunities for local tradespeople to undertake repair and maintenance work in line with CWB principles. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8. The SOA has not identified unique impacts faced specifically by our islands. Some policy interventions will be specifically tailored to our islands, to ensure our islands communities enjoy the same opportunities as those living on the mainland. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9. It is anticipated that the proposals would lead to positive impacts on children and young people, by improving property condition and increasing housing supply within the private rented sector ensuring properties meet the Tolerable Standard. There is an evidential link between quality of housing and educational attainment in children. Consumer Duty
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4.10. It is anticipated that the Scheme of Assistance will impact on consumers, as the document sets out the supports that will be provided to landlords, tenants, and owners within the private housing sector to improve property condition and make adaptations to facilitate independent living. The ECRIA for the SOA explores in detail how the SOA supports the delivery of the Consumer Duty based on the seven consumer principles, and provides brief explanations for identified impacts, e.g., Landlord to Landlord Sales, the Early Doors Pilot Project, pre-tenancy support service, missing shares, and adaptations. 5. Consultation 5.1 The 2025/26 update on the Scheme of Assistance has been prepared by gathering information from various project leads across Council Services. David W. Hammond Executive Director (Communities and Housing) For further information please contact Yvonne Baulk, Head of Service (Housing and Public Protection), on 01294 324542. Background Papers Appendix 1 Scheme of Assistance
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North Ayrshire Council Scheme of Assistance June 2026
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2 Contents Contents 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 5 Background to the Scheme of Assistance ............................................................................ 5 Aims of the Scheme of Assistance ....................................................................................... 5 Our Progress ....................................................................................................................... 5 Repairing Standard and Tolerable Standard ..................................................................... 6 Landlord-to-Landlord Sales .............................................................................................. 7 Matchmaker Scheme ....................................................................................................... 7 Housing Acquisition Strategy ........................................................................................... 7 ‘Early Doors’ Pilot Project ................................................................................................. 8 Damp and Mould ............................................................................................................. 8 Other Interventions .......................................................................................................... 8 Types of Assistance ............................................................................................................. 8 Information and Advice .................................................................................................... 9 Practical Assistance ......................................................................................................... 9 Financial Assistance ........................................................................................................ 9 Strategic Context and Outcomes ......................................................................................... 9 Local Housing Strategy .................................................................................................... 9 Council Plan .................................................................................................................. 10 National Performance Framework .................................................................................. 11 Review .............................................................................................................................. 11 2. The Private Rented Sector in North Ayrshire .................................................................. 11 Overview of the Private Sector in North Ayrshire ................................................................ 11 Private Sector Advice Team ............................................................................................... 12 Engagement ...................................................................................................................... 13
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3 Partnership Working .......................................................................................................... 13 Neurodiversity ................................................................................................................... 14 Letting Agent Regulation .................................................................................................... 14 3. Empty Homes ................................................................................................................ 15 Matchmaker Scheme ..................................................................................................... 16 4. Property Condition ......................................................................................................... 16 Tolerable Standard ............................................................................................................ 16 Repairing Standard ........................................................................................................... 17 Smoke Detectors ........................................................................................................... 17 Damp and Mould ........................................................................................................... 18 Housing and Property Chamber: First-Tier Tribunal ........................................................... 18 Common Repairs .............................................................................................................. 19 Find a Builder ................................................................................................................ 20 Missing Shares.................................................................................................................. 20 5. Policy Interventions ........................................................................................................ 21 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 21 Abandoned Tenement Buildings ......................................................................................... 21 Abatement Notices ............................................................................................................ 22 Closing and Demolition Orders .......................................................................................... 22 Compulsory Purchase Orders............................................................................................ 23 Dangerous Buildings ......................................................................................................... 23 Enhanced Enforcement Areas ........................................................................................... 24 Evacuation ........................................................................................................................ 24 Homeless Prevention in the Private Sector ........................................................................ 24 Landlord to Landlord Sales ............................................................................................ 25 Housing Acquisition ........................................................................................................... 25 Housing Renewal Areas .................................................................................................... 26 Maintenance Orders .......................................................................................................... 26
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4 Pre-Tenancy Support Service ............................................................................................ 27 Recovery of Expenses....................................................................................................... 27 Voluntary Maintenance Plans ............................................................................................. 27 Work Notices ..................................................................................................................... 28 6. Adaptation of Properties ................................................................................................ 28 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 28 Assessing Need ................................................................................................................ 28 Financial Assistance .......................................................................................................... 29 Hardship Support ................................................................................................................. 29 Reinstatement of an Adapted Property ............................................................................... 30 Assistance for Grant .......................................................................................................... 30 7. Contacts and Feedback ................................................................................................. 30 General Contacts .............................................................................................................. 30 Health and Social Care Partnership Local Offices .............................................................. 32 Feedback .......................................................................................................................... 33
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5 1. Introduction Background to the Scheme of Assistance Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 72, local authorities have a statutory duty to produce a statement of assistance that sets out the supports that will be provided to landlords, tenants, and homeowners within the private housing sector. The Scheme of Assistance is also the primary method through which empty homes will be brought back into use and acts as a preventative measure to stop properties becoming uninhabited. The Scheme of Assistance details the information, advice, and practical assistance North Ayrshire Council will offer to help those living in private sector properties to repair, maintain, improve, or adapt their homes. While it is legally the responsibility of homeowners and private landlords to repair and maintain their homes, the Council may be able to offer assistance to homeowners and private sector tenants to enable them to repair and maintain their homes; however, this may only be possible where internal budgets allow. Aims of the Scheme of Assistance The two key purposes of the Scheme of Assistance are to: • Address disrepair in private sector homes by encouraging landlords and homeowners to recognise that they have primary responsibility for maintaining their properties. • Help older people and people with accessibility needs, who are living in the private sector, carry out adaptations which enable them to live in their homes for as long as they choose to do so. Our Progress The Scheme of Assistance was last reviewed in 2019. Since the previous review, Officers have provided advice to the private housing sector, worked to enhance property condition across North Ayrshire, tackling empty homes across the area, and bringing properties back into use. The latest review of the Scheme of Assistance in early 2026 has concluded that: • The Private Sector Advice Team, which is comprised of a Team Manager, four Housing Officers, and one Policy Assistant, managed 1,390 enquiries relating to 1,286 properties between April 2023 and 13 January 2026 (based on number of cases closed during the period). • 174 properties have been deemed to be below the Tolerable Standard and/or the Repairing Standard over the same period – 145 of which were resolved. • 1,089 empty homes have been brought back into use • The Private Sector Advice Team have made effective use of systems and technology, mapping out and monitoring empty properties on a geographical basis, identifying hotspots, and providing targeted intervention
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6 • There is effective cross-service working in place, involving colleagues in the wider Housing Service, Building Standards, Environmental Health, and Licensing, taking a multi-disciplinary approach where required to tackle complex property condition and other issues • Officers undertook a review of the historical closing and demolition orders process; as a result of this review, any properties in disrepair were addressed. The remaining properties continue to be monitored by the Private Sector Advice team. • The Private Sector Advice Team launched missing shares in April 2019 as part of the previous Scheme of Assistance Review. Since 2022, the Team has renewed its focus on tackling ‘missing shares’ across North Ayrshire. Between conclusion of the first missing share in September 2019 and to date, 10 projects had been approved, assisting 63 owners with works totalling £0.355m • Housing Services staff have participated in an Introduction to Neurodiversity training event. The training provided staff with an opportunity to gain experience about neurodiversity, including conditions such as autism and ADHD, and an understanding of how to develop person-centred ways of supporting neurodivergent people in their homes. The review identified new opportunities to build on the successes above and recognise currently active projects that were not included in the last Scheme of Assistance publication. These are summarised as follows. Repairing Standard and Tolerable Standard The Scottish Government published refreshed statutory guidance for private landlords on the Repairing Standard on 31 January 2024. New measures in place from 1 March 2024 include: • A requirement to have safely accessible food storage and food preparation space in a private rented house • That there must be a fixed heating system in a private rented house • where a private rented house is a flat in a tenement, the tenant must be able to safely access and use any common parts of the tenement, such as common closes • Common doors must be secure and fitted with satisfactory locks • The requirement for installations for the supply of electricity in a private rented house to be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order has been amended to specify that these must include a residual current device (a device to reduce the risk of electrocution and fire by breaking the circuit in the event of a fault) • The house should be free of lead pipes from the boundary stopcock to the kitchen tap, and that if this cannot be confirmed, a water quality test must be carried out • The existing duty to ensure that installations for the supply of gas and electricity in a private rented house are in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order has been extended to any other type of fuel. • Section 16 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, which deals with exceptions to the landlord’s repairing duty has also been amended to make it clear that a private rented house which is a flat in a tenement does not fail the repairing
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7 standard if work otherwise needed to comply with the standard cannot be carried out because a majority of owners in the tenement have refused consent to carry out the work. The Scheme of Assistance now contains the updated information on the Tolerable Standard and the Repairing Standard. Landlord-to-Landlord Sales During 2024, the Council’s Landlord-to-Landlord Sales scheme was introduced. This enables the Private Sector Advice Team to ‘match up’ a selling landlord (with sitting tenants) with prospective buyers. This can be either buyers who are already in the letting market or those who are looking to enter the market. The Private Sector Advice Team manage the exchange of information and details to facilitate direct contact between purchaser and seller. This service benefits tenants as it prevents upheaval, expense, insecurity of any threat of homelessness. Additionally, any affected children will not be uprooted from school, friends, family, and surrounding support network. Officers continue to actively promote the service and its benefits and work with the Council’s Homelessness Service to engage landlords issuing notices to leave, with the aim of preventing households from losing their homes. Matchmaker Scheme On 1 December 2025, The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) launched a new national empty property Matchmaker Scheme which has replaced local schemes. The national scheme allows owners to list their empty homes on the SEHP website, and buyers can submit an enquiry directly to owners. Council Officers are working in partnership with SEHP and will continue to advertise the scheme to empty homeowners to support the reduction of empty homes in North Ayrshire. Housing Acquisition Strategy The new Housing Acquisition Strategy will support the ambition within the Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028 to bring empty homes back into use through acquisitions; the overarching aim of the Housing Acquisition Strategy is to increase the availability of permanent homes to meet affordable housing need and demand in North Ayrshire.
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8 ‘Early Doors’ Pilot Project Under the proposed ‘Ask and Act’ duties in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, public bodies will be required to ask about a person’s housing situation early and take meaningful action to prevent homelessness. The £4 million national Test and Learn Prevention Pilot Fund support public bodies and their third sector partners to test and scale new approaches to early intervention. In North Ayrshire, the ‘Early Doors’ pilot is being managed by the North Ayrshire Homelessness Task Force (Task Force members include representatives from Housing Services, CHAP, North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership, and Education Services), with CHAP acting as the lead organisation. This pilot, which launched on 5 February 2026, is a 12-month pilot initiative and will focus on providing earlier support to people in the private rented sector, where many households in North Ayrshire face the real risk of losing their home. Damp and Mould The Scottish Government has committed to bringing Awaab’s Law into force from 6 October 2026. North Ayrshire Council will continue to monitor the development of the supporting national regulations and guidance in relation to the private rented sector and will update the SOA and advice provided by officers as required. Other Interventions The Scheme of Assistance sets out a range of other interventions to improve property condition including: • Continued provision of the Private Sector Advice Line, providing advice and guidance to landlords, tenants, and property owners • Undertaking property inspections to establish breaches of the Tolerable and Repairing Standards • We will continue to work with property owners with a view to instructing improvements to deal with disrepair which causes a blight on our communities • Continuing our multi-agency approach to tackling property disrepair and rogue letting agents and landlords, involving appropriate officers from Housing, Licensing, Building Standards, and Environmental Health • Re-establishment of the North Ayrshire Landlord Forum during 2026 • Continued provision of the Pre-Tenancy Support Service for landlords, providing free property inspections and tenancy agreement advice • Partnership working with the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to reduce the number of empty homes in North Ayrshire • Continued opportunities for the Missing Shares Policy to allow for common repairs to be conducted in tenement blocks, where an owner is unable or unwilling to pay their share. Types of Assistance The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 makes clear that the responsibility for repair, maintenance, and improvement of properties belongs to owners. However, the
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9 following sections provide details of the types of assistance North Ayrshire Council will provide to achieve the two key aims set out above. Information and Advice We will ensure that advice and information on home repairs, maintenance, improvements, and adaptations is available. This advice and information will enable landlords and homeowners to undertake any repairs, maintenance, and improvements themselves, in the first instance. Practical Assistance We will offer practical advice and support relating to the repair and maintenance of homes in the private sector. Financial Assistance We will provide financial assistance to cover some (or all) of the costs of eligible adaptations to private properties. Financial assistance will only be considered where internal budgets allow. The North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership manage this service. Strategic Context and Outcomes Local Housing Strategy The Scheme of Assistance contributes to North Ayrshire Council’s Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028. The strategic ambition of the Local Housing Strategy is for people to live in the right homes, in great places, with access to any support services they need. The Local Housing Strategy establishes four overarching outcomes to achieve this strategic ambition; these outcomes were agreed with local people and align to the four key strategies in the Scottish Government’s Housing to 2040 strategy. Within the Local Housing Strategy Action Plan, we have committed to reviewing and updating our Scheme of Assistance to: • Ensure the promotion of positive outcomes for people living with autism in the private housing sector • Ensure inclusive engagement with hard-to-reach groups • Ensure our literature is available in a format that is suitable for people with literacy and/or sensory/communication issues. Additionally, the Local Housing Strategy highlights that, through the Scheme of Assistance, we will do everything we can to support private landlords to provide rented homes that meet the highest tenancy and condition standards possible. For further information on our Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028, visit the Local Housing Strategy page on our website.
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10 Council Plan The Council Plan is a live document between the Council and communities in North Ayrshire, containing the priorities of residents in North Ayrshire. The Council Plan explains how the Council will meet the needs and expectations of communities over the next five years and helps steer resources to the areas that can make the greatest difference to the lives of people in North Ayrshire, both now and in the future. The Vision for North Ayrshire in the Council Plan is a North Ayrshire that is fair for all; this is supported by the Mission of working together to improve the lives of our people in North Ayrshire. The Council Plan identifies four key priorities: Wellbeing, Communities and Local Democracy, Climate Change, and A Sustainable Council. The Council Plan highlights that all these areas are key to supporting what is known as a ‘wellbeing economy’ – an economy that delivers fair distribution of wealth and opportunities within a healthy environment. It is therefore a direct contributor to the vision of ‘A North Ayrshire that is fair for all.’ The Scheme of Assistance will contribute to the Council Plan, helping to achieve the Council Plan priorities and associated strategic aims by: • Wellbeing (Strategic Aim: To transition to a wellbeing economy, delivering prosperity, wellbeing and resilience for local people) → Using our assets to support wellbeing in local communities → Increasing the number of homes in the area through a mix of private and social developments and bringing empty buildings back in to use → Ensuring our places and spaces where we live, work, and visit are well maintained and accessible • Communities & Local Democracy (Strategic Aim: We will have active, inclusive and resilient communities) → Developing strong relationships with communities and partners based on trust and shared aspirations using their experiences to inform service provision → Developing partnerships with the third and voluntary sector → Ensuring an inclusive, fair, rights-based and asset-based approach in our work • Climate Change (Strategic Aim: To achieve net-zero by 2030) → Improving communities’ preparedness to deal with the impacts of climate change already locked-in • A Sustainable Council (Strategic Aim: A Community Wealth Building Council that is efficient and accessible, maximising investment and focusing resources towards our priorities) → Ensuring robust governance arrangements are in place to fulfil the Council’s statutory duties, manage risk and support delivery of key priorities → Using dynamic data and lived experiences to inform decision-making → Working with partners nationally, regionally and locally to secure investment and target resources towards our priorities
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11 → Driving change and transformation, using technology where appropriate, to deliver efficient and effective services and support delivery of priorities For further information on our Council Plan 2023 to 2028, visit the North Ayrshire Council Plan page on our website. National Performance Framework In the National Performance Framework for Scotland, the Scottish Government have outlined eleven National Outcomes, with 81 national indicators to achieve its purpose. North Ayrshire Council’s Scheme of Assistance will contribute towards the following National Outcomes: • Communities – we live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient, and safe. • Environment – we value, enjoy, protect, and enhance our environment. • Health – we are healthy and active. • Human Rights – we respect, protect, and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination. • Poverty – we tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth, and power more equally. Review The Scheme of Assistance will be reviewed every five years but may also be reviewed on an interim basis, when required, to reflect relevant legislative or policy changes. 2. The Private Rented Sector in North Ayrshire Overview of the Private Sector in North Ayrshire The private rented sector is a vital part of the housing supply – as well as being the preferred option for some people, it also provides a housing option for people who cannot afford to buy, but who would have limited likelihood of securing a social rented home. All private landlords must be registered with the Council before they rent out homes; registrations can be made either online or in writing, and a fee applies. As of April 2025, in North Ayrshire the private rented sector accounts for approximately 8,300 (11.8%) properties and owner-occupied properties account for approximately 43,700 (61.9%) properties. In comparison, in 2024 the private rented sector accounted for approximately 8,400 properties (12.1%) and owner-occupied properties accounted for approximately 43,100 properties (61.4%), and in 2023 the private rented sector accounted for approximately 8,700 properties (12.4%) and owner-occupied properties accounted for approximately 42,800 properties (60.6%).
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12 This shows that while there has been a slight increase in owner-occupied properties in North Ayrshire, there has also been a slight decrease in properties in the private rented sector. Since 2019, the private sector in North Ayrshire has faced additional pressures as a result of: • Cost of Living Crisis: this has made it harder for low-income renters to afford rent and essentials like food and heating • Private sector rents: there is a perception that private rented sector rents have fluctuated in North Ayrshire While there is no specific data for North Ayrshire, since 2023, the mean price of private rents has increased year-on- year for 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom properties in the Ayrshires Broad Rental Market Area (the exception being 1-bedroom shared properties). Comparing this information to current Local Housing Allowance rates evidences a shortfall for every bedroom size. • Interest rates and mortgage impact: the perceived increase in rents could be impacted by changes in interest rates, which can impact landlords’ mortgages. The RentBetter Wave 3 report, published in September 2024, noted that mortgage interest tax relief reduced to 20%, with 40% relief no longer available for higher income earners. Some landlords commented on this change as being a factor that impacted the viability of private renting, especially in the context of increased interest rates. • Scottish regulations and tax changes, e.g., income tax relief changes: the Scottish Association of Landlords Landlord Portfolio and Investment Survey 2025 was conducted in December 2025 and published in January 2026. This highlighted that, when asked about their reasons for withdrawing properties from the sector, one of the most common reasons given was increasing regulation in the sector (69%), as well as tax changes (68%). However, as the Landlord Register is updated once every three years, and landlords do not necessarily advise the Council at the point they cease operating, the North Ayrshire impact of these regulatory changes is not readily available • Increased demand: this impacts availability, leading to affordability issues • Implementation of Rent Controls: the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 was passed by the Scottish Parliament in September 2025 and proposes the ability for local authorities to recommend Rent Control Areas (RCAs), which may be designated by the Scottish Ministers. Within an RCA, rent increases would be limited to CPI + 1% (capped at 6%), both during and between tenancies. Private Sector Advice Team North Ayrshire Council’s Housing Services has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the Scheme of Assistance. A dedicated Private Sector Advice Team was established in April 2016; the Team is a one-stop-shop for the provision of information and advice to homeowners, private sector landlords, and
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13 tenants. The Private Sector Advice Team can also signpost to other services which may be able to offer support. For further information on the Private Sector Advice Service, visit the Private Sector Advice Service page on our website. Engagement North Ayrshire Council’s Customer Participation Strategy 2023 to 2028 highlights that Housing Services are committed to treating everyone respectfully, fairly, and equally across all areas of our business, and tackling discrimination and harassment in all our activities. For further information on the Customer Participation Strategy 2023 to 2028, visit the Tenant Participation page on our website. In addition to providing information and advice to private landlords, private tenants, and homeowners on a range of private sector housing matters, the Private Sector Advice Team engages with those in the private sector, including hard-to-reach and under-represented groups, through: • Landlords Private Sector Matters e-newsletter • Tenants Private Sector Matters e-newsletter • Web-based advice • Social media, including Facebook and Twitter • House visits • Leaflets, covering topics such as landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, common repairs, and maintaining properties • Posters • Communications Working Group • Sharing information and advising of upcoming training through Landlord Accreditation Scotland • Highlighting the benefits on preventative maintenance to properties The Team also regularly engages with internal and external partners to ensure that service delivery is streamlined and delivers best value for money. This approach also supports sharing good practice with partners and the exploration of new resources where possible. The Private Sector Advice Team are suitably trained and experienced in management and maintenance issues, and work with Under One Roof to provide a tenement maintenance session with North Ayrshire Council owners on an annual basis. Under One Roof is dedicated to providing free and impartial information to flat owners and housing professionals, on issues related to tenement maintenance, common repair management, and retrofit. Partnership Working The Private Sector Advice Team works pro-actively alongside other Council departments, external partner agencies, and private sector networks. These include
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14 Landlord Accreditation Scotland, Under One Roof, and Scotland’s Housing Network. Engagement with these networks supports the Team to maintain an awareness of best practice, develop partnerships, and stay informed with up-to-date information about housing issues across the private rented sector. By operating in partnership with other agencies, the Team aim to improve property standards, inspire landlord and tenant confidence, and encourage growth and investment in the sector. Neurodiversity Housing to 2040 highlights that, ‘People with learning disabilities and autistic people tell us that they want to be treated with dignity and respect by services, including housing, that are able to identify and be responsive to their needs. They say that good-quality and timely housing advice and support services are as important as accessibility in supporting them to live independently in a home of their choice within their community.’ The Private Sector Advice Team are suitably trained and experienced, and work with those in the private sector to provide services that meet their needs, making any necessary adjustments when communicating with customers, e.g., by providing a choice between email and telephone communication, making home visits, and providing documents in easy read formats on request. Letting Agent Regulation From 1 October 2018, everyone carrying out letting agency work needs to apply to join the Scottish Letting Agent Register. It is against the law for a business to carry out letting agency work without having applied for registration. To be added to the register, applicants need to meet a ‘fit and proper’ test as well as undergo a minimum standard of training. To decide if someone is a ‘fit and proper’ person, Scottish Ministers consider a range of information about that person including whether they have been convicted of offences involving fraud, violence, drugs, firearms, sexual offences, or broken housing law. The new Letting Agent Code of Practice became effective on 31 January 2018. All letting agents must follow the Code of Practice to provide a good service to landlords and tenants. The Code explains the minimum standards a letting agent must meet. LETWELL is a professional development programme for Letting Agents delivered in partnership between Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Housing Academy and leads to the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Letting and Managing Residential Property. Two Officers from the Private Sector Advice Team are LETWELL qualified.
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15 3. Empty Homes North Ayrshire Council imposes a council tax levy of 100% on properties that have been empty for 12 months, or two years if advertised for sale or rent. The Empty Homes Levy was introduced in Scotland primarily to encourage owners of long-term vacant properties to bring them back into use, thereby reducing the number of unoccupied homes and addressing housing shortages. In 2024/2025, 375 empty homes were brought back into use in North Ayrshire; 261 of these properties were subject to the levy. Empty homes are detrimental to the local environment (as they are often the target of anti-social behaviour), are more likely to fall into disrepair (the most common reason for properties remaining unoccupied), and may prove costly to owners who can face regular repair bills and council tax charges. The Private Sector Advice Team actively work to prevent empty homes – this includes liaising with property owners to ascertain their intentions; providing advice and support; highlighting the disadvantages of owning an empty home; and maintaining regular contact with owners to stay informed of the property’s condition and status. Officers in the Team also routinely work with colleagues across Council services to prevent empty homes. Since its inception, the Team have been actively collating and developing geographical information on empty homes in each locality, identifying and mapping hot spots and pursuing targeted intervention. Officers have dedicated patches, which helps to ensure there is a focus on empty homes across North Ayrshire according to each locality’s individual needs. Officers in the Private Sector Advice Team have a key role in actively identifying empty private properties in North Ayrshire and establishing methods through which properties may be brought back into use. North Ayrshire Council use a variety of information, methods, and policies to bring empty properties back into use. The Team provides advice and information, as well as access to practical financial assistance (where feasible and appropriate). Property owners may also be referred to other agencies for help to bring their properties back into the overall housing supply. The Team works closely with the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, hosted by the Scottish Government and Shelter Scotland. This allows North Ayrshire to establish working links with other local authorities in Scotland, share good practice examples, access training, and job shadowing opportunities, and encourage joint working approaches. North Ayrshire Council’s Private Sector Advice Team featured as a case study in the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership’s Annual Report 2023/2024. The case study can be read on the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership’s website. Going forward, the Council is looking to augment the positive work that has already been undertaken by developing an Empty Homes Strategy in 2026 to 2027. In addition, North Ayrshire Council will publish a Housing Acquisition Strategy in 2026. The Strategy will support the ambition within the Local Housing Strategy 2023 to
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16 2028 to bring empty homes back into use through acquisitions; further information on housing acquisitions is provided below. Matchmaker Scheme On 1 December 2025, The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) launched a new national empty property Matchmaker Scheme which has replaced our local scheme. The national scheme allows owners to list their empty homes on the SEHP website, and buyers can submit an enquiry directly to owners. Although there is now a national scheme in place, Officers in the Private Sector Advice Team will continue to work in partnership with Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to advertise the scheme to empty homeowners to support the reduction of empty homes in North Ayrshire. To view vacant properties across Scotland, please visit the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership’s website for more information. 4. Property Condition Tolerable Standard The Tolerable Standard is the minimum level of repair that a house must meet to be acceptable as living accommodation. It focuses on the condition of the building itself and does not relate to decoration, fixtures and fittings, or appliances. The Tolerable Standard applies to all house types (including flats and apartments) and applies to all tenures (including houses which are owner-occupied or privately rented) but does not apply to mobile homes or commercial properties. North Ayrshire Council has a duty to make sure that any houses in our area that do not meet the Tolerable Standard are closed, demolished, or brought up to an acceptable standard. If a property fails one or more of the conditions, then the house can be defined as ‘below the Tolerable Standard.’ The Private Sector Advice Team assess properties to determine if they meet the Tolerable Standard. Where private rented properties fall below the Tolerable Standard, photographic evidence is collated and/or a physical inspection is carried out by Officers, as appropriate. Officers then create a report, which is sent to the landlord asking for the repairs to be carried out within 30 working days. If the works are not completed within this timeframe, the landlord may be referred to the Licensing Committee, which could ultimately result in de-registration. A Rent Penalty Notice may also be issued, which prevents landlords from taking rent and means a landlord commits a criminal offence if they continue to let the property. For further information on the Tolerable Standard, visit the Tolerable Standard page on our website.
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17 Repairing Standard The Repairing Standard is the minimum level of repair a house must achieve to be used as privately rented accommodation. It focuses on the condition of the building itself, but also includes all installations, fittings, fixtures, and furnishings that were provided as part of the tenancy. Private landlords must also meet elements relating to safety, heating, and access to common parts of a tenement. Private landlords have a responsibility to make sure their property always meets the Repairing Standard, i.e., at the beginning of the tenancy and thereafter during the tenancy. This will involve carrying out all repairs necessary for the property to meet the repairing conditions as well as repairing any damage caused during the work. If a landlord fails to meet their Repairing Standard duties, photographic evidence is collated and/or a physical inspection is carried out by Officers, as appropriate. Officers then create a report, which is sent to the landlord asking for outstanding repairs to be carried out within 30 working days. For further information on the new Repairing Standard measures, the up to date Repairing Standard Statutory Guidance can be accessed on the Repairing Standard: statutory guidance for private landlords page on the Scottish Government website. Additionally, information on the Repairing Standard can be found on the Private landlord advice page on our website. The repairing standard duty includes a duty to make good any damage caused by carrying out works whilst complying with the duty. For further information on repairs, visit the Housing and Property Chamber Repairs page. Smoke Detectors It is a legal requirement to have multiple smoke detectors fitted in all rented properties. The Standard requires that all smoke and heat detectors should meet the standard set by building regulations or be able to justify why a lesser level of protection is appropriate in a particular house. This means that there should be at least: • One functioning smoke alarm in every room which is frequently used by the occupants for general daytime living purposes (normally the living room or lounge); • One functioning smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings, or in a main room if there is no landing on the upper storey; • One heat alarm in every kitchen; • All alarms should be ceiling mounted; and • All alarms should be interlinked. Mains-operated alarms (with battery back-up) are permitted, and tamper proof/sealed/long-life lithium battery alarms (for example, not PP3 type or user replaceable) are also permitted. The expiry date should be visible on each alarm.
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18 Alarms should be regularly maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Damp and Mould The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, section 86 requires that any reference to a house not meeting the Tolerable Standard or being brought up to the Tolerable Standard must be construed accordingly, with regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, section 47 modifies the 1987 Act, section 86, so that guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers may further specify the circumstances in which a house is to be considered to be substantially free from rising or penetrating damp for the purpose of the Tolerable Standard. This amendment makes provision for the implementation of Awaab’s Law in the private rented sector. The Scottish Government has committed to bringing Awaab’s Law into force from 6 October 2026. North Ayrshire Council will continue to monitor the development of any guidance in relation to the private rented sector and will update this document and advice provided by the Private Sector Advice Team as required. As highlighted, the Scheme of Assistance links with the Council Plan, including key activities as it relates to the priority of Climate Change, which has the strategic aim of achieving net-zero by 2030. The Council Plan highlights that 28% of households in North Ayrshire are in fuel poverty; this includes homes in the private sector. The Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028 highlights that where people cannot afford to heat their homes because of fuel poverty, this can in turn cause dampness and mould. Therefore, achieving net-zero, tackling fuel poverty, and taking action to prevent damp and mould in the private sector in North Ayrshire are interlinked. In North Ayrshire, the Energy Smart Scheme is in place and aims to improve the energy efficiency of privately owned properties of those on a low income by funding and installing energy efficiency measures, e.g., loft insultation, cavity wall insulation, LED bulbs, draft proofing, temperature controls, or electric storage heaters. While certain income criteria must be met, the Energy Smart Scheme can be used by where someone owns their home or if it is privately rented. This Scheme can help address fuel poverty, thereby helping to prevent damp and mould in properties. Further information on the energy support and advice, including the Energy Smart Scheme, can be found on the Energy support and advice page on our website. Housing and Property Chamber: First-Tier Tribunal The Housing and Property Chamber can make private landlords carry out property repairs by using different types of enforcement action. Private tenants who think that their landlord has failed with their repairing duties will be able to apply to the First Tier Tribunal for a decision (known as a determination). If the complaint is deemed valid, the Housing and Property Chamber will then decide which enforcement action to use. The Housing and Property Chamber can be contacted directly by phone on 0141 302 5900.
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19 Common Repairs A common area is any part of a building that will be used by the residents of more than one property within a building – these are usually found in flats, terraces, and tenement blocks. Everyone living in tenement buildings has a responsibility to keep common areas in good condition. By law everyone living in buildings with shared access must make sure that all escape routes are clear in the event of an emergency. Practical steps to address this are to keep common areas free from litter and debris and to regularly clean and maintain them. As it relates to repairs: • If you own your home – check what it says in the title deeds of your home, which you can obtain from your solicitor or the Registers of Scotland. Title deeds are legal documents that explain the responsibilities of the owner of a property (including any responsibilities for common areas). • If you are a tenant – check what it says in your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord. If there is work required to the common parts of a shared building, owners initially should try to contact the other owners in their block with whom they share responsibility for the upkeep of the property. However, we recognise that property owners can experience difficulties managing common repairs. Therefore, we can provide impartial advice on matters, including: • Rights and responsibilities of owners • Roles of property factors • Setting up voluntary maintenance plans • Tenement Management Scheme • Resolving disputes between parties The Private Sector Advice Team can help facilitate communication between parties involved in common repairs. This support may include: • Locating missing owners to ensure all parties are represented. • Sharing quotes obtained by owners for works to keep everyone informed and aligned. • Discussing legal obligations with responsible parties to clarify duties and responsibilities. Under One Roof can also provide impartial advice on repairs and maintenance for flat owners in Scotland. For further information, visit the Under One Roof website. If you are still not sure who is responsible for carrying out repairs in common areas in your building, you can ask a solicitor who deals with property law for advice. You will have to pay for legal advice, so you should always ask for a quote of the costs beforehand. For further information on common areas, visit the private tenant & homeowner advice page on our website.
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20 Find a Builder While the Trusted Trader scheme does not operate in North Ayrshire, the Find a builder page on our website provides useful information for before work starts, during work, finishing work, and after works are done. This page lists links which can be used to find out if someone is a member of a trade organisation and to check their membership. Missing Shares Regular and planned maintenance is a cost effective and practical way of preventing homes from falling into disrepair. Preventative maintenance, especially within older properties, provides an ongoing mechanism for addressing minor property condition issues. It can also reduce the frequency, and in some cases likelihood, of more high- cost repairs emerging in the long-term. A Missing Share is where the majority of owners in a tenement agree to a common plan of works, but one owner is unwilling or unable to pay their share. Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 50, the Council may pay a missing share, when it is satisfied that certain criteria (outlined in the 2006 Act) are met. North Ayrshire Council implemented a Missing Shares Policy in 2019. This allows the Council, under certain conditions, to pay the missing amount and recharge the missing owner; a charge, with interest provision, is applied to the share to cover all professional, administrative, and legal expenses. A standard security is put in place to secure repayment of the debt. To be considered for missing shares assistance, the main conditions are: • A lead owner in the block needs to be appointed to create a maintenance plan, set up a common maintenance account, and find quotes. • Works must be over £500 (more than one aspect of repairs can be submitted at the same time). If work has commenced prior to approaching the Council, assistance through section 50 (Missing Shares) will not be available. Assistance is not available in retrospect. It can sometimes be difficult to know what portion of repair works each owner is required to pay. This information is normally set out in the title deeds of a property. However, if the title deeds do not specify, or if different owners’ title deeds say conflicting things, a Tenement Management Scheme can be implemented. This was introduced under the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2014. For further information on Tenement Management Schemes, visit the Tenement Management Scheme page on our website. Alternatively, for further information visit the Under One Roof website. Additionally, the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 requires the Council to act as a Property Factor in a tenement block where at least one property is owned by the Council. This allows the Council to action repairs to common areas. Where there is
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21 majority ownership within a tenement block, the Council may instruct necessary or emergency repairs and recharge owners. The Council will not apply the Missing Shares Policy to properties for which the Council acts as a factor, as there is a separate debt recovery procedure which will apply in these circumstances. 5. Policy Interventions Overview The Scheme of Assistance aims to encourage and support homeowners to take responsibility for the condition of their property. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 sets out a range of statutory duties and additional powers for local authorities to improve property conditions within the private sector. These are known as ‘discretionary powers.’ There are certain instances where the Council may consider taking enforcement action. However, enforcement action will only be taken where advice and assistance has been ineffective, where the problem has not been addressed in a reasonable period, and after taking account of all circumstances. Advice and assistance will be made available to all property owners served with any orders or notices. Additionally, enforcement action will be subject to internal budget availability and the achievement of strategic aims or objectives. This section outlines the policy interventions and services available to help homeowners maintain, repair, and improve their properties. North Ayrshire Council will focus on assisting homeowners to meet their responsibilities to keep their properties in a good state of repair. Abandoned Tenement Buildings Under the Tenement (Scotland) Act 2004, where a tenement property has been unoccupied for a period over six months, any owner of the property within the building may apply to a Sheriff for the power to sell the building. The proceeds of any sale will be shared evenly amongst all owners. In these cases, the Private Sector Advice Team will write to all owners within the building to encourage responsible home ownership. Information and practical advice will be offered as to the owner’s legal rights and responsibilities. Where there are multiple owners within an abandoned tenement, all efforts will be made to engage the responsible parties to carry out common repairs or take joint action to bring the properties back into use. In instances of an abandoned tenement block all efforts will be made to consider alternative routes of assistance before a sale is advised. Where tenement owners wish to consider this route, they may wish to seek independent legal advice before proceeding.
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22 Abatement Notices The Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 80 allows North Ayrshire Council to serve notice against empty properties which are causing ‘nuisance.’ Nuisance can be defined as properties which have a negative or harmful effect on health, for example: • Unsanitary or filthy conditions • Verminous or infested conditions • Emissions of smoke, fumes, or harmful gases • Accumulation or deposit of household waste, excessive dog fouling An Abatement Notice instructs a homeowner to rectify the problem that is causing nuisance and sets a time limit in which works must be completed. If an empty homeowner fails to address the nuisance detailed in the Notice, then the Council may choose to complete the works and recharge owners for all costs. Court action may also be taken against the property owner. The Private Sector Team works in partnership with Environmental Health to ensure that properties which are a statutory nuisance are dealt with appropriately by the owner. Environmental Health can be contacted directly by phone on 01294 324339. Failure to comply with an Abatement Notice without reasonable excuse may lead to prosecution through the Sheriff Court. Should a property owner be convicted of failing to address the issues highlighted in a Notice, they may be liable for a fine of up to £5,000. Where industrial properties fail to meet the works within a notice, this amount may increase to up to £40,000. For further information on Abatement Notices, visit the report a statutory nuisance page on our website. Closing and Demolition Orders Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, section 114 and section 115, Closing and Demolition Orders can be served where: • A house requires demolition as its state of disrepair is likely to deteriorate rapidly or is a danger to the occupants. • A building fails to meet the Tolerable Standard, and the cost of bringing the property up to that standard would be greater than the cost of rebuilding the property. Closing Orders prevent a property being inhabited. Such orders can be made of flats, where other properties within a block are habitable. Demolition Orders are typically served on single dwelling houses, which can be demolished without impacting on neighbouring properties. When a Demolition Order is served, the property owner is required to organise and pay for the demolition themselves. North Ayrshire Council retains the right to demolish a building served with a Demolition Order itself and may do so without purchasing it. The Council also has
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23 the right to purchase a property issued with a Demolition or Closing Order. The Council will identify if there is a requirement to do so, by assessing: • The condition of the property • The needs of the area for the provision of further housing accommodation • Whether the house or building must remain in use as housing accommodation Details of all notices or orders that have been complied with and/or remain extant can be found on the Closing and Demolition Orders page on North Ayrshire Council’s Open Data Portal. Any decision to issue a Closing or Demolition Order within North Ayrshire is at the discretion of North Ayrshire Council. Compulsory Purchase Orders A compulsory purchase order may be made when the Council needs to acquire land for purposes that are in the public interest, but cannot reach an agreement to get the land, or the owner cannot be traced. Examples may include bringing empty homes back into use or for regeneration of an area. Compulsory purchase orders will only be pursued in exceptional circumstances where advice and assistance have been ineffective, where the problem has not been addressed in a reasonable period, after taking account of all circumstances, and after all attempts to reach an agreement for purchase with the owner have been exhausted. This intervention can take a great deal of time and is resource intensive. Local authorities must follow prescribed formal legal processes to have a compulsory purchase authorised. While North Ayrshire Council may seek permission for such a purchase, authorisation must ultimately come from the Scottish Ministers or UK Ministers (if related to reserved powers). For more information on compulsory purchase orders, visit the compulsory purchase orders page on our website. Dangerous Buildings A building is considered a ‘dangerous building’ if it is a potential danger to: • Persons in or about that building • The public in general • To adjacent buildings or places North Ayrshire Council will consider a ‘Dangerous Buildings Notice’ under the Buildings (Scotland) Act 2003, section 29, and section 30, in these instances. The notices themselves do not require to be registered in the property register. The Council may serve notice on the owners of properties where it is considered that the condition of the property is likely to affect the health and safety of the public or neighbouring properties.
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24 Where cases require immediate action, the Council will remove the danger as necessary (including demolition) and, where possible, notify the owners of any actions taken. Where a building may not pose an immediate threat, the Council will contact the property owner and ask that the necessary works are completed. In cases where an owner fails to carry out the works defined in the notice served, the Council will take action to protect those at risk. The Private Sector Advice Team will work in partnership with Building Standards to ensure the safety of anyone affected by a potentially dangerous building. Where a local authority carries out work in relation to dangerous buildings under the 2003 Act, sections 28 to 30, it can recover any expenses from the building’s owner. The Buildings (Recovery of Expenses) (Scotland) Act 2014 provides for a local authority to register a charging order against the property, setting out the repayable amount and splitting it into annual instalments. North Ayrshire Council will reclaim any costs and expenses incurred by the property owner. Enhanced Enforcement Areas The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 allows local authorities to apply to Scottish Ministers to designate an Enhanced Enforcement Area. This gives local authorities greater powers to intervene in and improve private rented sector housing. Enhanced Enforcement Area designation can only be applied for in areas where there is a poor environmental standard, overcrowding, or a prevalence of antisocial behaviour. At the time of reviewing the Scheme of Assistance, there are no areas in North Ayrshire which meet these conditions. Evacuation North Ayrshire Council will provide advice and assistance to homeowners and tenants who are likely to be displaced because of any intervention action, to allow them to find suitable alternative accommodation. Homeless Prevention in the Private Sector Preventing homelessness and sustaining tenancies in the private rented sector is a key focus. Working in partnership with the Housing Advice Team, Officers discuss private sector options with applicants where appropriate and give advice on approaching letting agents/landlords direct to negotiate deposits and rent. Under the proposed ‘Ask and Act’ duties in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, public bodies will be required to ask about a person’s housing situation early and take meaningful action to prevent homelessness. The £4 million Test and Learn Prevention Pilot Fund support public bodies and their third sector partners to test and scale new approaches to early intervention. In North Ayrshire, the ‘Early Doors’ pilot will be run by the North Ayrshire Homelessness Task Force (members include representatives from Housing Services, CHAP, North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership, and Education Services), with CHAP acting as the lead organisation. This work will be funded
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25 through the Homelessness Prevention Pilot Fund, administered by Advice Direct Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. The pilot, which launched on 5 February 2026 and will operate for 12 months, will focus on supporting people earlier in the private rented sector to try and prevent families from becoming homeless. Key areas of focus in the pilot include: • Strengthening tenants by holding practical workshops on finances, rights, and responsibilities, which will provide tenants with the tools required to manage their tenancy before issues escalate. • Door-to-door engagement in PRS hotspots will help provide support with problems including rising rent arrears or poor property conditions. • For those needing additional support, CHAP will offer one-to-one appointments in trusted venues. This support will also be available to landlords who live in North Ayrshire. Alongside this pilot, we will re-establish our Landlord Forum, bringing landlords together as partners in prevention. The forum will offer space to share concerns and get clear guidance on rights and responsibilities. Additionally, practical information sessions will be provided to help landlords manage arrears or disputes fairly, and work with letting agents to direct landlords to support. The core objectives of ‘Early Doors’ are to identify and act on early signs of housing risk; embed housing-related questions into routine service interactions across NAC and the HSCP; create clear, simple referral pathways to CHAP for advice, advocacy, and tenant skills workshops; strengthen landlord engagement through NAC’s Landlord Forum; and generate robust data and learning to inform national roll-out and guidance. Landlord to Landlord Sales In 2024, the Landlord-to-Landlord Sales scheme was introduced. This enables the Council’s Private Sector Advice Team to ‘match up’ a landlord (that has sitting tenants) with buyers. This can be for buyers who are either already in the letting market or are looking to enter the market, with the Private Sector Advice Team managing the exchange of information and details to facilitate direct contact between purchaser and seller. Selling this way has benefits for everyone involved. For tenants in particular, the Landlord-to-Landlord Sales scheme will prevent upheaval, expense, and insecurity of finding and moving house. Additionally, any affected children will not be uprooted from school, friends, and family. For further information on landlord to landlord sales, visit the private landlord advice and support page on our website. Housing Acquisition North Ayrshire Council will publish its Housing Acquisition Strategy in 2026. The Strategy will support the ambition within the Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028 to bring empty homes back into use through acquisitions; the overarching aim of the
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26 Housing Acquisition Strategy is to increase the availability of permanent homes to meet the affordable housing need and demand in North Ayrshire. The Housing Acquisition Strategy will introduce expanded objectives and more flexible criteria. The criteria for acquisitions were more limited when the Scheme of Assistance was previously reviewed in 2019; now, long-term empty properties, where the purchase would allow for greater local amenity and contribute to the Council’s statutory duties and strategic objectives, will be considered. There will no longer be an absolute requirement for these properties to be ex-local authority. Through the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, funding has been allocated for property acquisitions over a five-year period. These properties will be added to the Council’s housing stock, refurbished where required, and allocated to tenants in housing need on the North Ayrshire Housing Register. Housing Renewal Areas Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 1, North Ayrshire Council may consider designating a Housing Renewal Area if there are a significant number of substandard houses in one area (a minimum of 50%). A Housing Renewal Area is an area that is identified by a local authority as one where property conditions and quality needs to be improved; it may compromise just a few properties or could cover a larger area. A property may be substandard if it: • Does not have a basic level of repair and lacks important facilities such as an indoor toilet (for example, Tolerable Standard) • Is in a serious state of disrepair • Needs repair and the condition is likely to worsen or could cause damage to other premises if nothing is done to repair it • The disrepair of a house or houses is adversely affecting the quality of the surrounding area The decision to declare a Housing Renewal Area will be based on the relationship between the property and local neighbourhood, rather than a technical assessment of property condition. Public consultation with owners of affected properties and an ‘Options Appraisal’ exercise will be undertaken before potential designation of a Housing Renewal Area. Maintenance Orders Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 42, North Ayrshire Council can serve a Maintenance Order if an owner has not maintained a property to a reasonable standard. This requires the owner to produce a maintenance plan that demonstrates the works that will be carried out to improve the condition of the property. A maintenance plan should include timescales and the costs of the work. Where a homeowner fails to comply with a compulsory maintenance plan, the Council may carry out the work and thereafter recover the cost from the owner.
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27 Pre-Tenancy Support Service The Private Sector Advice Team offer a Pre-Tenancy Support Service for landlords, providing free property inspections and tenancy agreement advice. The Service was launched as part of the Scheme of Assistance review in 2019 to increase awareness about the minimum standard of properties. The Service is targeted at new landlords but is available for all landlords. The Service aims to take a preventative approach to future property condition issues, improving property condition prior to tenant occupation and improving expectations between landlords and tenants. This Service also makes sure that landlords comply with the necessary legislation. To increase engagement with this service, the Private Sector Advice Team will link the Pre-Tenancy Support Service with the new Landlord to Landlord Sales initiative, providing benefits for private sector landlords, tenants, and the Council. Recovery of Expenses North Ayrshire Council will seek to reclaim any costs incurred in exercising its powers in relation to property condition through one of the following: • Repayment charge • Notice of recovery of expenses • Charging order • Notice of potential liability The Council will consult with the owner before deciding to recover any expenses as a single lumpsum payment or by instalments. The Buildings (Recovery of Expenses) (Scotland) Act 2014 gives local authorities greater powers to recover debts. Local authorities can register a charging order in the appropriate land register, which means new and former owners will be liable if the property changes ownership. Voluntary Maintenance Plans By planning maintenance work in advance, a homeowner can reduce the likelihood of costly repairs arising. North Ayrshire Council can assist homeowners to prepare voluntary maintenance plans for their homes. These allow maintenance work and property condition inspections to be scheduled and include timescales and costs for work. These plans may be particularly useful for owners of properties with common areas to help deal with any future communal repairs and avoid potential disputes. The Private Sector Advice Team re-launched the Voluntary Maintenance Plan initiative in Spring 2019 to support property owners organise repairs, establish an ongoing maintenance account, and seek a dedicated property factor where appropriate. The Council will encourage homeowners to set up maintenance accounts to ensure sound financial planning for future repair works. Where necessary, we will facilitate meetings between owners to establish a maintenance plan and account.
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28 Work Notices Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 30, North Ayrshire Council may serve work notices on owners of properties which are sub-standard. Owners should then arrange to carry out the work themselves. The Council can also carry out the work if the owner agrees and at the owner’s expense; however, there is no obligation for the Council to do this. If the owner does not comply with the works notice within the time set out, the Council can carry out the work and reclaim all costs from the owner. This can be done by means of a repayment charge which is secured against the title deeds of the property. Where there is disrepair and a threat that the property could deteriorate and pose a risk to public safety, a referral will be made to Building Services, and a Dangerous Buildings Notice may be served. In these cases, action may eventually be taken to demolish a building. 6. Adaptation of Properties Overview North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) have a responsibility to assess a person’s needs and to arrange appropriate services. As funding is limited, the HSCP needs to ensure that it prioritises people in the greatest need. To assist with this, an assessment process and associated eligibility criteria has been developed. Individuals who require this type of assistance will undergo an assessment of need. Access to health or social care services can be gained through any local office, with contact details provided at the end of this document. Assessing Need Before making any funding available, an assessment of need will be carried out. A suitably qualified Health & Social Care Worker (usually an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant) will work with the applicant to assist them to remain independent within their home environment. The assessment may be carried out over a period of time. If an adaptation to the home is the agreed solution, the Adaptations Service will confirm the applicant’s needs, the proposed works (subject to appropriate building warrants and planning permission), and priority for works. Tenants will be required to gain consent of their landlord and the consent of any other owners where the adaptation is likely to impact on common areas of property.
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29 Financial Assistance Applicants will be assisted through the grant application process to identify their entitlement of 80% or 100% towards the cost of the adaptation. Receipt of 100% is subject to income and benefit entitlement (or for those who can demonstrate financial hardship and have no resources). The benefits which mean an applicant is eligible for 100% grant are: • Universal Credit • Income based Jobseeker's Allowance • Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance Funding is available in the following situations: • To allow access within an applicant’s home to standard amenities • For the provision of an additional or replacement standard amenity • For an extension or structural adaptation to allow provision of, or access to, a standard amenity Extensions to provide additional living/bedroom accommodation are not included within the scope of financial assistance. There are often conditions which may apply if applicants are awarded financial assistance. These conditions will be discussed with the applicant in detail when a formal financial assistance application is made. In some circumstances it may not be possible to adapt an applicant’s current home to meet their needs. This can happen for reasons such as: • There is not enough space to make the necessary changes • The way their house is built may make it very difficult or impossible to change In some situations, other options may be suggested. All available options will be discussed with the applicant during the assessment process. Hardship Support If an applicant qualifies for financial assistance (for example, 80% of the cost of approved works) but are unable to afford the remaining 20% cost of the adaptation, the Partnership may be able to help. This support will only be provided in exceptional circumstances, such as: • The applicant is already living in the most suitable type of accommodation for their needs, and the assessing officer confirms that the adaptation proposed would be suitable for the longer term • The applicant’s assessed needs could only be met by staying in their current property and having it adapted • Moving would have a significant detrimental impact on the applicant’s health
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30 Each application for a hardship contribution will be judged on its own merits and due to demand, such assistance, even in exceptional circumstances, may not be provided. Reinstatement of an Adapted Property Where Scheme of Assistance grant funding is provided, the Partnership can provide information and advice to tenants and landlords concerning reinstatement of a property that has previously been adapted, to return that property to the original condition (for example, before the adaptation was carried out). Where a landlord has agreed to the adaptation but placed a condition requiring reinstatement under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 52, the Council will expect the landlord to firstly look for a new tenant who could make use of the adaptations. The Partnership may be able to assist landlords to locate suitable new tenants. If a new tenant cannot be found, in certain circumstances we will meet 80% of reinstatement costs for those adaptations that are making it difficult to re-let the property. The Council will not give funding for reinstatement to owner occupiers. Assistance for Grant Where a person is vulnerable and unable to identify assistance to progress Scheme of Assistance applications, the Partnership will provide assistance and signposting where required. 7. Contacts and Feedback General Contacts • Private Sector Advice Team Housing Services Private Sector Advice Team North Ayrshire Council Cunninghame House, 3rd Floor (East) Irvine, KA12 8EE Tel: 01294 324644 Email: psadvice@north-ayrshire.gov.uk • Independent Living Service Independent Living Service North Ayrshire Council Horseshoe Building, Ayrshire Central Hospital Kilwinning Road Irvine, KA12 8SS Tel: 01294 400616 • Citrus Energy Citrus Energy
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31 Cunninghame Housing Association 82-84 Glasgow Street Ardrossan, KA22 8EH Tel: 0800 221 8089 • CHAP (Community Housing Advisory Project) The Michael Lynch Centre for Enterprise 71 Princes Street Ardrossan, KA22 8DG Tel: 0300 002 0002 Email: enquiries@chap.org.uk • Energy Smart Scheme M-Four Tel: 0800 471 4738 Register of Interest form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=YAQKsz5zrkOAMjgMBRV JKafuRWoFvZVDgRDw- Vb83_tUN0hZU01ISkMwTDAxQlNPRElCRzMwWVI0TC4u • Environmental Health Environmental Health North Ayrshire Council Housing & Public Protection Environmental Health, Cunninghame House Irvine, KA12 8EE Tel: 01294 324339 Email: environmentalhealth@north-ayrshire.gov.uk • Factoring Team Property Factoring Team Cunninghame House (2nd Floor West) Irvine, KA12 8EE Tel: 01294 324966 Email: factoring@north-ayrshire.gov.uk • Housing Advice Team Housing Advice Team North Ayrshire Council Galt House 31 Bank Street Irvine, KA12 0AD Tel: 01294 314600 • Housing and Property Chamber First-tier Tribunal for Scotland Housing and Property Chamber First-tier Tribunal for Scotland Glasgow Tribunals Centre 20 York Street Glasgow, G2 8GT
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32 Tel: 0141 302 5900 Email: HPCAdmin@scotcourtstribunals.gov.uk • Home Energy Scotland Tel: 0808 808 2282 Website: https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/contact-us • Landlord Accreditation Scotland Landlord Accreditation Scotland Hopetoun Gate, 8B McDonald Road Edinburgh, EH7 4LZ Tel: 0131 553 2211 Email: info@landlordaccreditationscotland.com • Money Smart Tel: 01294 310000 (Option 1) Email: moneysmart@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Website: https://www.nahscp.org/care-support-community/benefits-welfare-rights- and-advice • Scottish Association of Landlords Scottish Association of Landlords Hopetoun Gate, 8B McDonald Road Edinburgh, EH7 4LZ Tel: 0131 564 0100 Email: info@scottishlandlords.com • Under One Roof Email: info@underoneroof.scot Website: https://underoneroof.scot/contact-us/ Health and Social Care Partnership Local Offices • Arran Locality Shore Road Lamlash Arran, KA27 8JY Tel: 01770 600742 • Garnock Valley Locality Craigton Road Kilbirnie, KA25 6LJ Tel: 01505 684551 • Irvine and Kilwinning Locality Bridgegate House Irvine, KA12 8BD Tel: 01294 310300 • North Coast Locality
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33 Brooksby Medical and Resource Centre 31 Brisbane Road Largs, KA30 8LH Tel: 01475 687592 • Three Towns Locality The Town Hall Countess Street Saltcoats, KA21 5HW Tel: 01294 310005 Feedback Comments and views about any aspect of this document are welcomed. We also take the opportunity to encourage local people to become involved in the planning and delivery of housing solutions. To get in touch, please contact: • Team Manager (Private Sector Housing) ‘Scheme of Assistance’ Freepost RTUT-LHEL-HEGJ North Ayrshire Council Housing Services Private Sector Advice Team Cunninghame House, 3rd Floor (East) Irvine, KA12 8EE Tel: 01294 324644 Email: psadvice@north-ayrshire.gov.uk This document is available in other formats such as audio tape, CD, Braille, large print, and other languages on request.
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Version: 7.0 North Ayrshire Council Equality & Children’s Rights Impact Assessment (Full Form) Please Note: Before you begin, is this version the most up to date? You can download the most recent version on Connects. Screenings and ECRIAs should be included with relevant Committee Reports and may be published on our website. Introduction This form will assist in carrying out an Equality Impact Assessment and where appropriate, Socio-Economic, Children’s Rights, Island Communities and Consumer Duty Impacts of new, revised and existing policies and practices. Guidance on how to complete assessments is given in the Council’s Equality and Children’s Rights Impact Assessment Toolkit. The form is mandatory and must be published on the Council website once the policy or practice has been approved. 1. General Details 1.1 Directorate/Service: Communities and Housing Section: Housing Services 1.2 Name of Policy, Practice of Proposal being assessed: Scheme of Assistance Please delete whichever statements are not applicable from the highlighted text below: This is an existing proposal (being reviewed). Please insert Budget Reference number (if applicable) 1.3 List of participants in the assessment • Charlotte Steele (Policy Officer, Housing Strategy) • Emma Anderson (Team Manager, Private Sector Housing) • Katie Bell (Team Manager, Housing Strategy) 1.4 Manager responsible for the impact assessment Name: Katie Bell Designation: Team Manager (Housing Strategy) 1.5 Timetable (should be started during the development phase of the proposal) Date Assessment Started: 08/01/2026
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Version: 7.0 Interim Review Date: Not applicable Final sign off by Head of Service at the end of the form. 2. Aims and Relevance 2.1 What is the purpose of the policy practice or proposal? To review and refresh the Scheme of Assistance. The Scheme of Assistance is required under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 72. Under section 72, local authorities may revise or replace such a statement. The Scheme of Assistance was last reviewed and refreshed in 2019.
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Version: 7.0 3. Equality and Diversity 3.1 What evidence were you able to access about the relevant needs of protected groups as outlined in section 3.3 below (Please include your sources – links to equality providers and evidence can be found in both the toolkit and the Promoting Equality Page on Connects). • Officer knowledge and experience • Scheme of Assistance 2019 • Local Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028 and Action Plan • Legislation – Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011, Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004, Environmental Protection Act 1990, Buildings (Scotland) Act 2003, Buildings (Recovery of Expenses) (Scotland) Act 2014, and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014. • Landlord to Landlord Sales scheme • Scottish Government publications (Tolerable Standard, Repairing Standard) • North Ayrshire Council website webpages • North Ayrshire Council staff training • GIRFEC • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (summary version) • European Convention on Human Rights • National Records of Scotland Council area profile: North Ayrshire • Consumer Scotland guidance • Council Tax information • Equality and Human Rights Commission (The Public Sector Equality Duty) 3.2 Are there any gaps in your evidence or areas of uncertainty? As any information and advice, practical assistance, or potential financial assistance will mainly be as a result of approaches from those in the private sector, approaches are on an ‘as and when’ basis and it will therefore not be possible to predict who would be affected and to what degree, based on their individual circumstances. Therefore, there has been no direct engagement with private homeowners, private tenants, or the wider public in relation to the Scheme of Assistance. 3.3 From the list of protected characteristic groups identified in section 3.3, please identify any potential positive and negative impacts on any of these protected characteristics.
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Version: 7.0 Protected Characteristic Impact on the Protected Characteristic? (yes, no, not applicable) Please Explain (Positive or Negative or Neutral) Age - Older people, children and young people – please identify which categories will be affected Yes Those who may be affected by the Scheme of Assistance include older people, children, and young people. The Scheme of Assistance has potential positive impacts for people of all ages in North Ayrshire, through policy interventions that aim to improve property conditions in the private sector. Generally, this could have positive impacts on the overall environment, damp and mould, and safety. While the Scheme of Assistance does not determine service provision according to age, it is anticipated that it will lead to positive impacts on children and young people, by improving property condition and ensuring properties meet the Repairing Standard and the Tolerable Standard. There is an evidential link between quality of housing and educational attainment in children which will also potentially have a positive impact on children and young people. The Scheme of Assistance also refers to, and will also be updated as required to reflect the introduction of, Awaab’s Law in the private sector, which is aimed at tackling damp and mould in properties. Additionally, the Landlord-to-Landlord Sales initiative was introduced in 2024, matching up landlords with current sitting tenants to buyers. This may have a positive impact for any affected young people who will not be uprooted from school, friends, and family.
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Version: 7.0 Protected Characteristic Impact on the Protected Characteristic? (yes, no, not applicable) Please Explain (Positive or Negative or Neutral) As the Scheme of Assistance outlines the information and advice, practical assistance, and financial assistance (to cover some or all of the costs of eligible adaptations to private properties) available to people, this may have a positive impact on older people, who may be more likely to contact with inquiries regarding adaptations to their property. However, this could also benefit young people who require adaptations. In relation to adaptations, provision is based on who has the greatest need – this is due to funding limitations. The Scheme of Assistance outlines that individuals who require this type of assistance will undergo an assessment of need. While this may negatively impact accessibility to the Scheme of Assistance, this is to ensure that those with the greatest need can benefit from the provision of services. Disability - Physical and Learning Yes As the Scheme of Assistance outlines the information and advice, practical assistance, and financial assistance (to cover some or all of the costs of eligible adaptations to private properties) available to people, this may have a positive impact on people with disabilities who may require adaptations to their property. Again, provision is based on who has the greatest need – this is due to funding limitations. The Scheme of Assistance outlines that individuals who require this type of
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Version: 7.0 Protected Characteristic Impact on the Protected Characteristic? (yes, no, not applicable) Please Explain (Positive or Negative or Neutral) assistance will undergo an assessment of need. While this may negatively impact accessibility to the Scheme of Assistance, this is to ensure that those with the greatest need can benefit from the provision of services. Additionally, as noted above and in line with the LHS 2023 to 2028 Action Plan, members of staff from Housing Services participated in an Introduction to Neurodiversity training event. The reviewed version of the Scheme of Assistance will be available in a format that is suitable for people with literacy and/or sensory communication issues, complying with the Council’s accessibility requirements for documents as required. Gender reassignment - When a person is living in a gender other than their birth gender. No No comment. Pregnancy and Maternity No No comment. Race, ethnicity, colour, nationality or national origins (including gypsy/ travellers, refugees and asylum seekers) No No comment. Religion or belief (includes religious and No No comment.
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Version: 7.0 Protected Characteristic Impact on the Protected Characteristic? (yes, no, not applicable) Please Explain (Positive or Negative or Neutral) philosophical beliefs, including no belief) Sex - Women and Men No No comment. Sexual Orientation – such as lesbian, gay and bisexual people. No No comment. Marriage and Civil Partnership - this includes same sex couples No No comment. Human Rights Yes The Scheme of Assistance may broadly relate to Article 8 (Right to respect for private and family life), however, Article 1 Protocol 1 (Right to peaceful enjoyment of your property) may also relate broadly and in specific circumstances, e.g., as it relates to Closing and Demolition Orders, Compulsory Purchase Orders, and Dangerous Buildings. However, while these interventions may negatively impact peoples’ human rights, they may also have positive impacts on the general environment, health, and safety of others. Closing and Demolition Orders The Scheme of Assistance could negatively impact people’s human rights in relation to their property, because of Closing and Demolition Orders. Closing Orders prevent a property from being inhabited and Demolition Orders can require owners to pay for the demolition of their property, or the property can
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Version: 7.0 Protected Characteristic Impact on the Protected Characteristic? (yes, no, not applicable) Please Explain (Positive or Negative or Neutral) be demolished by the Council without purchase. The Council may also purchase a property issued with a Demolition or Closing Order. Compulsory Purchase Orders The Scheme of Assistance could negatively impact people’s human rights in relation to their property, because of Compulsory Purchase Orders. A Compulsory Purchase Order may be made when the Council needs to acquire land for purposes that are in the public interest, but cannot reach an agreement to get the land, or the owner cannot be traced. However, Compulsory Purchase Orders will only be pursued in exceptional circumstances. North Ayrshire Council must follow prescribed formal legal processes, and authorisation must ultimately come from the Scottish Ministers or UK Ministers (if related to reserved powers). This is stated in the Scheme of Assistance. Dangerous Buildings The Scheme of Assistance could negatively impact people’s human rights in relation to their property, as it relates to Dangerous Buildings. Where a building is considered a ‘dangerous building’ the Council will consider a Dangerous Buildings Notice. Where cases require immediate action, the Council will remove the danger as necessary (including via demolition) and, where possible, notify the owners of any actions taken. Where a building may not pose an immediate threat,
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Version: 7.0 Protected Characteristic Impact on the Protected Characteristic? (yes, no, not applicable) Please Explain (Positive or Negative or Neutral) the Council will contact the property owner and ask that the necessary works are completed. In cases where an owner fails to carry out the works defined in the notice served, the Council will take action to protect those at risk. However, while there is a potential for these interventions to negatively impact peoples’ human rights, the Council has robust processes in place to ensure that the right to protection of property is not breached. Closing and Demolition Orders, Compulsory Purchase Orders and Dangerous Buildings Notices are only utilised where it is lawful and in the public interest to do so. Accordingly, the overall impact on human rights is considered to be positive. Care Experienced - This term refers to anyone who is currently in care or has been for any length of time regardless of their age and includes Kinship Care (other family members); Looked After at Home (with support from social work); Residential Care; Foster Care; Secure Care; Adoption. No It is not anticipated that the Scheme of Assistance will have a specific impact on care experienced people – however, impacts on children and young people are identified above. These would apply to any children and young people who are care experienced.
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Version: 7.0 Protected Characteristic Impact on the Protected Characteristic? (yes, no, not applicable) Please Explain (Positive or Negative or Neutral) Other - Homelessness, ex-offenders, carers, part-time workers Yes The Landlord-to-Landlord Sales initiative matches up landlords with current sitting tenants to buyers. This can have positive impacts on buying and selling landlords, tenants, the Council, and the environment, but for tenants in particular, the initiative will prevent upheaval, expense and the insecurity associated with finding and moving house. This may positively impact tenants, by preventing them from becoming homeless. Additionally, the Scheme of Assistance highlights the ‘Early Doors’ Pilot Project, which focuses on providing earlier support to people in the private rented sector, where many households in North Ayrshire face the real risk of losing their home. The aim of the project is to have a positive impact on homelessness in North Ayrshire, taking a preventative approach focused on early intervention. 3.4 Describe any consultation or engagement undertaken, including details of the groups involved and the methods used. As noted above, there has been no direct engagement with private homeowners, private tenants, or the wider public in relation to the Scheme of Assistance. This is because of the scope of consultation that would be required; as of April 2025, of the approximately 70,600 properties in North Ayrshire, approximately 8,300 of these are owned by private landlords and 43,700 are owner-occupied. However, the following services were consulted on the draft document of the Scheme of Assistance, with amendments made to the draft document following feedback: • Private Sector Advice Team • North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership • Property Management & Investments (including Factoring) • Housing Operations • Protective Services
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Version: 7.0 • Additionally, the Team Manager (Homeless Prevention and Advice) was contacted for input in relation to the section on Homelessness Prevention in the Private Sector. Questions 3.5 to 3.7 refer to the ‘Three Key needs (or aims) of the Equality Duty’ 3.5 Which aspects of the policy eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation? It is not anticipated that the Scheme of Assistance will unlawfully discriminate, cause harassment, or result in victimisation to any specific group. Adaptations In relation to adaptations, there are aspects of the Scheme of Assistance which may help prevent unlawful discrimination and victimisation. As funding is limited, the HSCP needs to ensure that it works with people in the greatest need. To assist with this, an assessment process and associated eligibility criteria has been developed. Individuals who require this type of assistance will undergo an assessment of need; a suitably qualified Health & Social Care Worker (usually an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant) will work with applicants to assist them to remain independent within their home environment. The assessment may be carried out over a period of time. Additionally, Applicants will be assisted through the grant application process to identify their entitlement of 80% or 100% towards the cost of the adaptation. Receipt of 100% is subject to income and benefit entitlement (or for those who can demonstrate financial hardship and have no resources). The Scheme of Assistance details the benefits which mean an applicant is eligible for 100% grant. Funding is available in the following situations: • To allow access within an applicant’s home to standard amenities. • For the provision of an additional or replacement standard amenity. • For an extension or structural adaptation to allow provision of, or access to, a standard amenity. Extensions to provide additional living/bedroom accommodation are not included within the scope of financial assistance. In some circumstances it may not be possible to adapt an applicant’s current home to meet their needs, e.g., there is not enough space to make the necessary changes or the way their house is built may make it very difficult or impossible to change. In some situations, other options may be suggested. All available options will be discussed with applicants during the assessment process. Lastly, if an applicant qualifies for financial assistance (for example, 80% of the cost of approved works) but are unable to afford the remaining 20% cost of the
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Version: 7.0 adaptation, the Partnership may be able to help. This support will only be provided in exceptional circumstances, such as: • The applicant is already living in the most suitable type of accommodation for their needs and the assessing officer confirms that the adaptation proposed would be suitable for the longer term. • The applicant’s assessed needs could only be met by staying in their current property and having it adapted. • Moving would have a significant detrimental impact on the applicant’s health. Each application for a hardship contribution will be judged on its own merits and due to demand, such assistance, even in exceptional circumstances, may not be provided. Where a person is vulnerable and unable to identify assistance to progress Scheme of Assistance applications, the Partnership will provide assistance and signposting where required. Therefore, this approach may contribute to preventing unlawful discrimination and victimisation, by assisting applicants through the adaptations process, supporting access to adaptations via funding, and ensuring people in receipt of certain benefits do not face financial barriers to accessing adaptations they need. Additionally, efforts are made, where possible, to support people who require adaptations to remain in their home – this aligns to one of the key purposes of the Scheme of Assistance to “help older people and people with accessibility needs, who are living in the private sector, carry out adaptations which enable them to live in their homes for as long as they choose to do so.” 3.6 Which aspects of the policy advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not? Advancing equal opportunities means removing or reducing the disadvantage that people with protected characteristics face; taking steps to meet the specific needs of people with protected characteristics; and encouraging people with protected characteristic to participate fully in all activities, especially where they are underrepresented. The Scheme of Assistance will contribute to older people and people with disabilities living in their homes for as long as possible. As a result, this is likely to advance equality of opportunity between people who share relevant protected characteristics and those who do not by removing or reducing a disadvantage that people with a protected characteristic may face, i.e., by being enabling them to stay in a home of their choosing for as long as they choose to do so. The Scheme of Assistance also highlights that the Private Sector Advice Team work with those in the private sector to provide services that meet their needs, making any necessary adjustments when communicating with customers, e.g., by providing a choice between email and telephone communication, making home visits, and providing documents in easy read formats on request. This ensures the Council takes steps to meet the specific needs of people with
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Version: 7.0 protected characteristics, by providing equal access to services/service provision for everyone who requires practical advice and information in relation to the private sector. 3.7 Which aspects of the policy foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not? (Does it tackle prejudice and promote a better understanding of equality issues). Fostering good relations means taking action to reduce prejudice and increase understanding between different groups of people. The Scheme of Assistance promotes a better understanding of equality issues in the private sector, referencing Housing to 2040, the national policy document for housing in Scotland, which highlights that, “People with learning disabilities and autistic people tell us that they want to be treated with dignity and respect by services, including housing, that are able to identify and be responsive to their needs. They say that good quality and timely housing advice and support services are as important as accessibility in supporting them to live independently in a home of their choice within their community.” Additionally, in line with the LHS 2023 to 2028 Action Plan, members of staff from Housing Services participated in an Introduction to Neurodiversity training event. The reviewed version of the Scheme of Assistance will be available in a format that is suitable for people with literacy and/or sensory communication issues, complying with the Council’s accessibility requirements for documents as required. As previously highlighted, the Private Sector Advice Team work with those in the private sector to provide services that meet their needs, making any necessary adjustments when communicating with customers. 3.8 If you have identified any negative impacts of your proposal how will you mitigate these? Negative impacts that have been identified cannot be mitigated insofar as they relate to funding limitations. Additionally, where negative impacts have been identified in relation to human rights, North Ayrshire Council will carefully consider and assess any intervention, complying with applicable legislation. As previously highlighted, in the case of Compulsory Purchase Orders, the Council must follow prescribed formal legal processes, and authorisation must ultimately come from the Scottish Ministers or UK Ministers (if related to reserved powers). Compulsory Purchase Orders will only be pursued in exceptional circumstances where advice and assistance have been ineffective, where the problem has not been addressed in a reasonable period, after taking account of all circumstances, and after all attempts to reach an agreement for purchase with the owner have been exhausted. 3.9 Is the policy or practice intended to promote equality by permitting positive action or lead to positive outcomes for people based on a protected characteristic?
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Version: 7.0 No – the Scheme of Assistance mainly relates to property condition and adaptations in the private sector, although overviews of initiatives relating to homeless prevention are included within the document. However, it may lead to positive outcomes for people with protected characteristics where property condition is improved, adaptations are provided, or homelessness is prevented.
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Version: 7.0 4. Section 4 – The Fairer Scotland Duty The Fairer Scotland Duty (‘the Duty’), Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 places a legal responsibility on the Council to actively consider (‘pay due regard to’) how we can reduce inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage when making decisions. 4.1 Does the proposal have the potential to have a significant impact on inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage? (Consider low income; low wealth; material deprivation; area deprivation; communities of place or interest, socio-economic background). Yes, the proposal does have the potential to have a significant impact on inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage. If Yes please provide more information under any of the below headings (4.2 to 4.6) which are relevant, highlighting any evidence and sources of evidence used to inform your information. 4.2 Low Income/Income Poverty: Cannot afford to maintain regular payments such as bills, food and clothing The Scheme of Assistance does not include any proposals to assist people who cannot afford to maintain regular payments such as bills, food, and clothing. However, it is operational practice that where a private sector tenant or homeowner contacts the Private Sector Advice Team and indicates they have difficulty maintaining regular payments such as bills, food, and clothing, Officers would refer the individual to Money Matters. As a result of this impact assessment, the contact details of Money Smart have been added to the Scheme of Assistance. In addition, details of the Energy Smart Scheme were added to the draft Scheme of Assistance in January 2026 following a review of the draft. The Energy Smart Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency of privately owned properties of those on a low income by funding and installing energy efficiency measures, e.g., loft insultation, cavity wall insulation, LED bulbs, draft proofing, temperature controls, or electric storage heaters. While certain income criteria must be met, the Energy Smart Scheme can be used by where someone owns their home or if it is privately rented. This Scheme can help address fuel poverty, thereby helping to prevent damp and mould in properties. There is a link to the Energy Smart Scheme page on the North Ayrshire Council website as well as details included in the Contacts and Feedback section. While the Scheme of Assistance does not directly refer to the Energy Support Grant, the link provided to the Energy Smart Scheme page on North Ayrshire Council’s website details information regarding the Energy Support Grant, which is part of the Energy Smart Scheme. The grant is available to support utility payments and help lift residents out of fuel debt. It also supports households in receipt of benefits living in a property with a pre-payment meter.
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Version: 7.0 4.3 Low/and or no wealth: Having enough money to meet basic living costs and pay bills but have no savings to pay for any unexpected spends and no provision for the future. The Scheme of Assistance has the potential to have positive impacts on people who have low incomes and low wealth, e.g., by providing information and advice, practical assistance, and financial assistance where internal budgets allow. In relation to adaptations, provision is based on who has the greatest need – this is due to funding limitations. The Scheme of Assistance outlines that individuals who require this type of assistance will undergo an assessment of need. However, as regards financial assistance, applicants in receipt of: Universal Credit, Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit, and Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, are eligible for 100% grant, i.e., the full cost of their adaptation will be covered. Other applicants will be entitled to 80% grant; however, those who can demonstrate financial hardship and who have no resources may also be eligible for 100% grant. This can help reduce the health inequalities of those in poverty and reduce inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage. It should be noted that financial assistance for aids and adaptations in the private sector falls under the remit of the Health & Social Care Partnership. 4.4 Material Deprivation: Being unable to access basic goods and services, i.e. financial products like life insurance, repair/replace broken electrical goods, warm home, leisure/hobbies The Scheme of Assistance emphasises that the two key purposes of the document are to: • Address disrepair in private sector homes by encouraging landlords and homeowners to recognise that they have primary responsibility for maintaining their properties. • Help older people and people with accessibility needs, who are living in the private sector, carry out adaptations which enable them to live in their homes for as long as they choose to do so. Where private sector homeowners contact the Private Sector Advice Team and indicate they have difficulty maintaining a warm home, it is operational practice that Officers would refer the individual to Citrus Energy or Home Energy Scotland – the contact details of both organisations are included within the Scheme of Assistance. Where a private tenant contacts the Private Sector Advice Team and indicates difficulties with broken electrical goods or maintaining a warm home, Officers would refer to the Repairing Standard and Tolerable Standard (as appropriate) as detailed in the Scheme of Assistance. The Private Sector Advice Team will assess properties to determine if they meet the Tolerable Standard, as detailed in the Scheme of Assistance. Officers will then create a report, which will be sent to the landlord asking for the repairs to be carried out within 30 working days. If the works are not completed within this timeframe, the landlord may be referred
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Version: 7.0 to the Licensing Committee which could ultimately result in de-registration. A Rent Penalty Notice may also be issued, which prevents landlords from taking rent and means a landlord commits a criminal offence if they continue to let the property. Additionally, if a landlord has failed to meet their Repairing Standard duties, photographic evidence is collated and/or a physical inspection is carried out by Officers, as appropriate. Officers will then create a report, which will be sent to the landlord asking for outstanding repairs to be carried out within 30 working days. As noted above, details of the Energy Smart Scheme were added to the draft Scheme of Assistance in January 2026 following a review of the draft. 4.5 Area Deprivation: Where you live (rural areas), where you work (accessibility of transport. Not applicable. 4.6 If impacts have been identified how will these be mitigated or explored in more detail? (please outline below) These impacts are positive impacts, and so no mitigation is required.
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Version: 7.0 Section 5 – Children’s Rights When considering the Children’s Right’s Impact process, some of the key considerations include any evidence, research and consultation (specifically including any consultation or engagement with young people). 5.1 Are any Children’s Rights impacted by this proposal? (please refer to Appendix 1 of this document, where the Children’s Rights Articles have been matched against the Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) wellbeing indicators. This is solely to make it easier to identify which rights might be impacted on; the Rights are the key element of this section). Yes, there are Children’s Rights impacted by this proposal. 5.2 Please indicate, if possible, how many children and young people (nearest estimate) are likely to be affected by the policy or measure? As any information and advice, practical assistance, or potential financial assistance will mainly be as a result of approaches from those in the private sector, approaches are on an ‘as and when’ basis and it will therefore not be possible to predict who would be affected and to what degree, based on their individual circumstances. As noted above, of the approximately 70,000 properties in North Ayrshire, approximately 8,300 of these are owned by private landlords and 43,700 are owner-occupied. It is unknown how many children reside in these properties. However, as of 2024 there are 20,897 children aged 0 to 15 in North Ayrshire (National Records of Scotland). 5.3 Are some children and young people more likely to be affected than others? Please delete whichever statement is not applicable from the highlighted text below: Yes, some children and young people are more likely to be affected than others. If, Yes what groups? (Consider protected characteristics – for example disabled young people, LGBT etc.) Disabled children; children who live in the private sector i.e., if their parents/caregivers are private renters or owner occupiers; children who live in properties in poor condition, e.g. damp, mould, and/or disrepair; children at risk of homelessness; and children who live in poverty (low income/wealth/fuel poverty). 5.4 What Children’s Rights are likely to be affected by the policy/proposal? Please refer to Table 2 (Appendix 1) ‘Links between Wellbeing Indicators and Articles of the UNCRC’ and insert the relevant rights and indicators in the table below.
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Version: 7.0 Wellbeing indicator (for example, safe, healthy etc.) Children’s Right (for example, 22 – refugee children) Healthy, Nurtured, Active, Included Article 6 (Life, survival, and development); Article 24 (Health and health services); Article 23 (Children with disabilities); Article 26 (Social security); Article 27 (Adequate standard of living). 5.5 What likely impact will the policy/proposal have on Children’s Rights and Wellbeing? Either Positive, Negative or Neutral. Children Rights While the Scheme of Assistance does not determine service provision according to age, it is anticipated that the interventions and initiatives therein will lead to positive impacts on children and young people, e.g.: • The Landlord-to-Landlord Sales initiative, which matches up landlords with current sitting tenants to buyers, will benefit any affected young people who will not be uprooted from school, friends, and family. • The Early Doors Pilot Project, through which earlier support will be provided to people in the private rented sector, where many households in North Ayrshire face the real risk of losing their home. This will benefit any households with children. • Additionally, the Scheme of Assistance contains a section on damp and mould, which provides an overview of the introduction of ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the private rented sector, through provisions in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025. While Awaab’s Law has not yet been implemented, through the Scheme of Assistance, the Council commits to continue to monitor the development of any guidance in relation to the private rented sector and will update the draft document and advice provided by the Private Sector Advice Team as required. Other Protected Characteristics The Scheme of Assistance may have positive impacts on disabled children; children who live in the private sector (if their parents/caregivers are private renters or owner occupiers); children who live in properties in poor condition, e.g. damp, mould, and/or disrepair; children at risk of homelessness; and children who live in poverty (low income/wealth/fuel poverty). 5.6 Describe any consultation or engagement that has taken place with young people? There has been no direct consultation with young people, as any impact from the Scheme of Assistance (although identified as positive) is an indirect
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Version: 7.0 consequence of policy interventions and initiatives, rather than being the purpose of interventions and initiatives. 5.7 If negative impacts are identified how will these be mitigated either fully or in part? Broadly, no negative impacts have been identified. However, if a child requires an adaptation to their home, it has been noted that provision is based on who has the greatest need – this is due to funding limitations. The Scheme of Assistance outlines that individuals who require this type of assistance will undergo an assessment of need. While this may negatively affect access to the Scheme of Assistance, this is to ensure that those with the greatest need can benefit from the provision of services.
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Version: 7.0 6. Section 6 – Island Communities Impact (or Island Proofing) Island Proofing is about considering the particular needs and circumstances of island communities when public sector organisations exercise their functions and make decisions. This has been added to the process of assessing the Council Plan and includes a range of issues such as access to services, digital connectivity, employment and access to education, transport and access to goods and services. 6.1 Do the intended outcomes of the proposal potentially differ or have a different impact for our Island Communities? No, the intended outcomes of the proposal do not potentially differ or have a different impact for our Island Communities. 6.2 Please describe the potential impacts for our Island Communities. The Scheme of Assistance has not identified unique impacts faced specifically by our islands. Some policy interventions will be specifically tailored to our islands, to ensure our islands communities enjoy the same opportunities as those living on the mainland. 6.3 Please explain if the impacts are different for communities on different islands? Not applicable. 6.4 What consultation or engagement has taken place with our Island Communities? There has been no direct consultation with island communities, as the Scheme of Assistance will apply uniformly across North Ayrshire. 6.5 How will you address any potential barriers or wider impacts for our Island Communities as identified through this assessment? Not applicable.
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Version: 7.0 7. Section 7 – The Consumer Duty The Consumer Duty is about the impact of Council proposals on consumers in Scotland. A Consumer is an individual or a small business that purchases, uses or receives goods or services in Scotland, that are supplied either by a business or a public body – please see What is the Consumer Duty. 7.1 Will your proposal impact on consumers? Please delete whichever statement is not applicable from the highlighted text below: Yes, the proposal will impact on consumers. 7.2 What are the impacts, if any, on consumers in general? Is it likely that consumers will experience harm because of this proposal? The consumer duty was introduced under section 21 of the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 and is made up of four statutory requirements: • When making decisions of a strategic nature, a relevant public authority must have regard to the impact those decisions have on consumers. • When making decisions of a strategic nature, a relevant public authority must have regard to the desirability of reducing harm to consumers. • A relevant public authority must publicise information about the steps it has taken to meet the duty. • A relevant public authority must have regard to the guidance issued by Consumer Scotland. Consumer Scotland’s guidance on the Consumer Duty notes that it is for each individual public authority to determine if a decision is of a strategic nature. The duty applies to any changes or reviews of decisions. The Scheme of Assistance is a document which may impact on consumers (individuals who use or receive goods or services, supplied by North Ayrshire Council under the Scheme of Assistance). This is because the Scheme of Assistance sets out the supports that will be provided to landlords, tenants, and owners within the private housing sector to improve property condition and make adaptations to facilitate independent living. As it relates to reducing harm, e.g., situations that cause consumers stress, cost them money, or take up their time, it is anticipated that the Scheme of Assistance will have positive impacts for consumers. Consumer Scotland’s guidance notes that the consumer principles provide a framework to understand consumer needs and outcomes and how to minimise harm and maximise value and benefits to consumers. Considering the seven principles can help public authorities meet their consumer duty requirements to have regard to the impact on consumers and to the desirability of reducing harm to consumers when making strategic decisions. The seven consumer principles are: access, choice, safety, information, fairness, representation, and redress.
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Version: 7.0 The refreshed Scheme of Assistance supports the delivery of the Consumer Duty based on the seven consumer principles. Brief explanations for identified impacts are provided below. Landlord to Landlord Sales – No fee is charged for Landlord to Landlord Sales. For selling landlords, benefits include no lost rental, void time, or council tax levy charges while the property is empty; no need to serve a notice to leave or apply to the Housing and Property Chamber and property can be sold quickly; and no marketing or house clearance costs, not having to worry about making sure the tenants belongings are out of the property. For buying landlords, benefits include no search for a tenant or need to do a new lease agreement or certificates as existing one’s transfer and no lost rental or requirement for refurbishment. For tenants, benefits include no upheaval, expense or insecurity of finding and moving house and no uprooting children from school, friends and family. Information on this service is available on the North Ayrshire Council website and in the refreshed Scheme of Assistance. The Early Doors Pilot Project – Under the proposed ‘Ask and Act’ duties in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, public bodies will be required to ask about a person’s housing situation early and take meaningful action to prevent homelessness. The £4 million national Test and Learn Prevention Pilot Fund supports public bodies and their third sector partners to test and scale new approaches to early intervention. In North Ayrshire, the ‘Early Doors’ pilot is being managed by the North Ayrshire Homelessness Task Force (Task Force members include representatives from Housing Services, CHAP, North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership, and Education Services), with CHAP acting as the lead organisation. This pilot focuses on providing earlier support to people in the private rented sector, where many households in North Ayrshire face the real risk of losing their home. No fee is charged for accessing the pilot. Pre-tenancy support service – No fee is charged for the pre-tenancy support service. This service provides landlords with free property inspections and tenancy agreement advice, acting as a preventative approach to future property condition issues. This service is designed to help landlords get the best from their properties. It also makes sure that they comply with the necessary legislation. Information on this service is available on the North Ayrshire Council website and in the refreshed Scheme of Assistance. Missing shares – A missing share is where a majority of owners in a tenement agree to a common plan of works, however, one owner is unwilling or unable to pay their share. The Missing Shares Policy will allow the Council (under certain conditions) to pay the missing amount and recharge the missing owner. Regular and planned maintenance is a cost effective and practical way of preventing homes from falling into disrepair. Preventative maintenance, especially within older properties, provides an ongoing mechanism for addressing minor property condition issues. It can also reduce the frequency, and in some cases likelihood, of more high-cost repairs emerging in the long-term. Information on this service is available on the North Ayrshire Council website and in the refreshed Scheme of Assistance.
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Version: 7.0 Adaptations – North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership have a responsibility to assess a person’s needs and to arrange appropriate services. However, as funding is limited, the HSCP needs to ensure that it works with people in the greatest need. To assist with this, an assessment process and associated eligibility criteria has been developed. Before making any funding available, an assessment of need will be carried out by a suitably qualified Health & Social Care Worker (usually an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant). Applicants will be assisted through the grant application process to identify their entitlement of 80% or 100% towards the cost of the adaptation. Receipt of 100% is subject to income and benefit entitlement (or for those who can demonstrate financial hardship and have no resources). If an applicant qualifies for financial assistance (for example, 80% of the cost of approved works) but are unable to afford the remaining 20% cost of the adaptation, the Partnership may be able to help. This support will only be provided in exceptional circumstances, detailed in the Scheme of Assistance. Where Scheme of Assistance grant funding is provided, the Partnership can provide information and advice to tenants and landlords concerning reinstatement of a property that has previously been adapted, to return that property to the original condition (for example, before the adaptation was carried out). Where a landlord has agreed to the adaptation but placed a condition requiring reinstatement under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, section 52, the Council will expect the landlord to firstly look for a new tenant who could make use of the adaptations. The Partnership may be able to assist landlords to locate suitable new tenants. If a new tenant cannot be found, in certain circumstances we will meet 80% of reinstatement costs for those adaptations that are making it difficult to re-let the property. The Council will not give funding for reinstatement to owner occupiers. Where a person is vulnerable and unable to identify assistance to progress Scheme of Assistance applications, the Partnership will provide assistance and signposting where required. Information on equipment and adaptations is available on the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s website. 7.3 Describe the impacts if any, on consumers in vulnerable circumstances. Is it likely that consumers in vulnerable circumstances* will experience harm because of this proposal? (please include any relevant evidence or engagement with consumers) *Vulnerable circumstances may be temporary in nature and may or may not arise as a resulted of a consumer’s protected characteristics. For more information, please see page 31 of Consumer Scotland’s draft guidance on the consumer duty. There are no anticipated negative impacts on vulnerable consumers, defined as consumers who as a result of socio-demographic characteristics, behavioural characteristics, personal situation, or market environment: • Is at higher risk of experiencing negative outcomes in the market
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Version: 7.0 • Has limited ability to maximise their well-being • Has difficulty in obtaining or assimilating information • Is less able to buy, choose or access suitable products • Is more susceptible to certain marketing practices. It is unlikely that consumers in vulnerable circumstances will experience harm because of the Scheme of Assistance. The positive impacts identified at paragraph 7.2. above, also apply to vulnerable consumers. 7.4 Describe any consultation and engagement that has taken place with consumers around your proposal. As noted above, there has been no direct engagement with consumers, e.g., private homeowners, private tenants, or the wider public in relation to the Scheme of Assistance. This is because of the scope of consultation that would be required, e.g., of the approximately 70,600 properties in North Ayrshire, approximately 8,300 of these are owned by private landlords and 43,700 are owner-occupied. 7.5 What alternative proposals could improve outcomes for consumers and/or reduce harm to consumers? How do these compare to the original proposal? No alternative proposals have been identified to improve outcomes for consumers or reduce harm to consumers.
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Version: 7.0 8. Section 8 – Crosscutting Impacts 8.1 Have any cross-cutting impacts been identified from other Council Services or Partner Agencies (multiple discrimination or accumulated effects on a protected characteristic group through multiple proposals or existing decisions)? No cross cutting impacts have been identified as it relates to multiple discrimination or accumulated effects on a protected characteristic group. 8.2 If Crosscutting issues have been identified with other Services, what discussion/interaction has taken place to mitigate any potential negative impacts of accumulated proposals? Not applicable. 9. Section 9 – Outcome of the Assessment 9.1 Please detail the outcome of the assessment: Please delete whichever outcomes are not applicable from the highlighted text below: a) No major alterations to the policy assessed: the Impact Assessment demonstrates the policy is robust and there is no possible discrimination or adverse impact. All opportunities to minimise negative impacts and enhance positive outcomes have been taken. • Contact details for the Money Smart service have been added into the draft Scheme of Assistance document. • Information on the Energy Smart Scheme and contact information has been added to the document. 9.2 For Outcome 2. in section 9.1 above - please detail recommendations, including any action required to address negative impacts identified or to better promote equality. Not applicable. 9.3 If Outcome 3 is chosen from section 9.1 above, please outline the justifications for continuing the policy/procedure. Not applicable. 9.4 Please state the key issues, recommendations and future actions arising from the Integrated Impact Assessment. Not applicable.
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Version: 7.0 10. Section 10 – Monitoring 10.1 Describe how you will monitor the impact of this policy for example, performance indicators, actions, other monitoring arrangements, who will monitor progress, criteria used to measure if outcomes are achieved, timescales including any future reviews of the impact of the proposal and where this will be recorded. The Scheme of Assistance will be reviewed every five years but may also be reviewed on an interim basis when required to reflect relevant legislative or policy changes. 11. Section 11 – Sign Off 11.1 Head of Service approval of the impact assessment. Name: Yvonne Baulk Title: Head of Housing & Public Protection Date: June 2026 12. Section 12 – Publication 12.1 Following approval by Head of Service, completed Impact Assessments are published on our Council’s External Website. Please email: equalities@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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Version: 7.0 Appendix 1 - GIRFEC Wellbeing Indicators and Children’s Rights Table 1 - GIRFEC Wellbeing Indicators Indicator Description Safe Protected from abuse, neglect and harm Healthy Having the best possible standards of physical and mental health; support to make healthy, safe choices Achieving Accomplishing goals and thereby boosting skills, confidence and self-esteem; ‘being all they can be’. Nurtured Having a loving and stimulating place to live and grow Active Having opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities Respected Being enabled to understand their world, being given a voice, being listened to, and being involved in the decisions that affect their wellbeing. Responsible Taking an active role within their home, school and community. Included Being a full member of the communities in which they live and learn; receiving help and guidance to overcome inequalities.
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Version: 7.0 Articles of the UNCRC matched against the GIRFEC indicators Summary of the UNCRC Articles from 1 – 54 (UNICEF) Table 2 - Links between Wellbeing Indicators and Articles of the UNCRC *Please note in general the use of the term Governments, includes public sector organisations such as the Council, some articles will have stronger relevance for the work of the Council than others. Wellbeing Indicator – Safe There are 12 relevant articles of the UNCRC (Rights of the Child) linked to the Safe indicator. Article 9 – Separation from parents Children must not be separated from their parents against their will unless it is in their best interests (for example, if a parent is hurting or neglecting a child). Children whose parents have separated have the right to stay in contact with both parents, unless this could cause them harm. Article 10 – Family reunification Governments must respond quickly and sympathetically if a child or their parents apply to live together in the same country. If a child’s parents live apart in different countries, the child has the right to visit and keep in contact with both of them. Article 11 - Abduction and non-return of children Governments must do everything they can to stop children being taken out of their own country illegally by their parents or other relatives or being prevented from returning home. Article 19 - Protection from violence, abuse and neglect Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them. Children and Young People have the right to be kept safe from harm. They must be given proper care by those looking after them. Article 22 - Refugee children If a child is seeking refuge or has refugee status, governments must provide them with appropriate protection and assistance to help them enjoy all the rights in the Convention. Governments must help refugee children who are separated from their parents to be reunited with them. Children and Young People have the right to special help and be allowed to live somewhere that is safe if they are a refugee.
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Version: 7.0 Article 32 - Child labour Governments must protect children from economic exploitation and work that is dangerous or might harm their health, development or education. Governments must set a minimum age for children to work and ensure that work conditions are safe and appropriate. If they are under 16 there are laws about where, when and for how long they can work. Article 33 - Drug abuse Governments must protect children from the illegal use of drugs and from being involved in the production or distribution of drugs. Article 34 - Sexual exploitation Governments must protect children from all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation. Children and Young People have the right to never be pressurised or forced into doing anything sexual. They have the right to be protected from it. Article 35 - Abduction, sale and trafficking Governments must protect children from being abducted, sold or moved illegally to a different place in or outside their country for the purpose of exploitation. People should never make them do anything against their will, like marry someone for instance. Article 36 - Other forms of exploitation Governments must protect children from all other forms of exploitation, for example the exploitation of children for political activities, by the media or for medical research. Children and Young People have the right to be protected from being taken advantage of in any way. Article 37 - Inhumane treatment and detention Children and Young People have the right to be treated with respect. If they have committed a crime children should be arrested, detained or imprisoned only as a last resort and for the shortest time possible. They must be treated with respect and care and be able to keep in contact with their family. Children must not be put in prison with adults. They should not be imprisoned unless it is absolutely necessary and they will get legal help. Article 38 - War and armed conflicts Governments must not allow children under the age of 15 to take part in war or join the armed forces. Governments must do everything they can to protect and care for children affected by war and armed conflicts. In Scotland, they have to be 16 to join the armed forces and are not normally allowed to fight until they are 18.
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Version: 7.0 Wellbeing Indicator – Healthy There are four relevant articles of the UNCRC (Rights of the Child) linked to the Healthy indicator. Article 3 – Best interests of the child The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children. Children and Young People have the right to have their interests considered if a decision is being made by any person about them. What is best for them is what matters. Article 6 – Life, survival and development Every child has the right to life. Governments must do all they can to ensure that children survive and develop to their full potential. Children and Young People have the right to be kept safe from harm, they have the right to be alive, survive and develop through life. Article 24 - Health and health services Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, and a clean environment and education on health and well-being so that children can stay healthy. Children and Young People have the right to be given good healthcare (if they are ill) so they can get well again. They have the right to live in a safe, healthy environment with good food and clean drinking water. Article 39 - Recovery and rehabilitation of child victims Children who have experienced neglect, abuse, exploitation, torture or who are victims of war must receive special support to help them recover their health, dignity, self-respect and social life.
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Version: 7.0 Wellbeing Indicator – Achieving There are four relevant articles of the UNCRC (Rights of the Child) linked to the Achieving indicator. Article 4 – Implementation of the Convention Governments must do all they can to make sure every child can enjoy their rights by creating systems and passing laws that promote and protect Children’s Rights. Children and Young People have the right to have their rights protected and an environment where they can grow up safe. Article 18 - Parental responsibilities and state assistance Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their child and should always consider what is best for the child. Governments must support parents by creating support services for children and giving parents the help they need to raise their children. Article 28 - Right to education Every child has the right to an education. Primary education must be free and different forms of secondary education must be available to every child. Discipline in schools must respect children’s dignity and their rights. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this. In Scotland education is free and children three years old+ are entitled to a free nursery place. Some 2 year olds may be eligible for free care depending on family circumstances, such as level of income. Article 29 - Goals of education Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment. It must help to prepare them for adult life.
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Version: 7.0 Wellbeing Indicator – Nurtured There are eight relevant articles of the UNCRC (Rights of the Child) linked to the Nurtured indicator. Article 4 – Implementation of the Convention Governments must do all they can to make sure every child can enjoy their rights by creating systems and passing laws that promote and protect children’s rights Children and Young People have the right to have their rights protected and an environment where they can grow up safe. Article 5 - Parental guidance and a child’s evolving capacities Every child has the right to be registered at birth, to have a name and nationality, and, as far as possible, to know and be cared for by their parents. Children and Young People have the right to their parents being responsible to guide them through their childhood and help them learn how to use their rights. Article 9 – Separation from parents Children must not be separated from their parents against their will unless it is in their best interests (for example, if a parent is hurting or neglecting a child). Children whose parents have separated have the right to stay in contact with both parents, unless this could cause them harm. Article 10 – Family reunification Governments must respond quickly and sympathetically if a child or their parents apply to live together in the same country. If a child’s parents live apart in different countries, the child has the right to visit and keep in contact with both of them. Article 18 - Parental responsibilities and state assistance Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their child and should always consider what is best for the child. Governments must support parents by creating support services for children and giving parents the help they need to raise their children. Article 20 - Children deprived of a family If a child cannot be looked after by their immediate family, the government must give them special protection and assistance. This includes making sure the child is provided with alternative care that is continuous and respects the child’s culture, language and religion. Children and Young People have the right to special care if they can’t live with their parents. They may be looked after by other members of their family or by a different family.
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Version: 7.0 Article 21 - Adoption Governments must oversee the process of adoption to make sure it is safe, lawful and that it prioritises children’s best interests. Children should only be adopted outside of their country if they cannot be placed with a family in their own country. Article 25 - Review of treatment in care If a child has been placed away from home for the purpose of care or protection (for example, with a foster family, in hospital, a care home or somewhere else away from home), they have the right to a regular review of their treatment, the way they are cared for and their wider circumstances to help make sure they are still getting what’s best for them. Article 27 - Adequate standard of living Every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and social needs and support their development. Governments must help families who cannot afford to provide this. Children and Young People have the right to a safe place to live, food, clothing and to take part in things they enjoy.
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Version: 7.0 Wellbeing Indicator – Active There are eight relevant articles of the UNCRC (Rights of the Child) linked to the Nurtured indicator. Article 3 - Best interests of the child The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children. Children and Young People have the right to have their interests considered if a decision is being made by any person about them. What is best for them is what matters. Article 23 - Children with disabilities A child with a disability has the right to live a full and decent life with dignity and, as far as possible, independence and to play an active part in the community. Governments must do all they can to support children with a disability and their families. Children and Young People have the right to have special help to make sure they can join in with things if they have any form of disability. Article 31 - Leisure, play and culture Children and Young People have the right to rest, play and have the chance to join a wide range of artistic and cultural activities. It is really important to they have a balance in their life.
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Version: 7.0 Wellbeing Indicator – Respected There are 12 relevant articles of the UNCRC (Rights of the Child) linked to the Nurtured indicator. Article 2 - Non-discrimination The convention that applies to everyone under the age of 18, regardless of circumstances. Article 3 - Best interests of the child The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children. Children and Young People have the right to have their interests considered if a decision is being made by any person about them. What is best for them is what matters. Article 4 – Implementation of the Convention Governments must do all they can to make sure every child can enjoy their rights by creating systems and passing laws that promote and protect children’s rights. Children and Young People have the right to have their rights protected and an environment where they can grow up safe. Article 5 - Parental guidance and a child’s evolving capacities Every child has the right to be registered at birth, to have a name and nationality, and, as far as possible, to know and be cared for by their parents. Children and Young People have the right to their parents being responsible to guide them through their childhood and help them learn how to use their rights. Article 8 - Protection and preservation of identity Every child has the right to an identity. Governments must respect and protect that right, and prevent the child’s name, nationality or family relationships from being changed unlawfully. Children and Young People have the right to know who they are – official records should be kept. If they are over 16 years old and adopted, they can try to find out who their birth parents are. Article 12 - Respect for the views of the child Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life. Children and Young People have the right to speak up and have their opinions listened to and be taken seriously by adults on things that affect them.
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Version: 7.0 Article 13 - Freedom of expression Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law. Children and Young People have the right to say whatever they believe as long as it does not harm or offend other people. They also have the responsibility to respect the rights and freedom of others. Article 14 - Freedom of thought, belief and religion Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up. Children and Young People have the right to choose their own religion and beliefs. Their parents should help them think about this. Article 16 - Right to privacy Every child has the right to privacy. The law should protect the child’s private, family and home life, including protecting children from unlawful attacks that harm their reputation. They shouldn’t have their personal letters opened or anyone listening in to their personal phone calls. Article 17 - Access to information; mass media Every child has the right to reliable information from a variety of sources, and Governments should encourage the media to provide information that children can understand. Governments must help protect children from materials that could harm them. Children and Young People have the right to access information which is important to their wellbeing. Adults should help them find information they are looking for and make sure it’s not harmful. Article 18 - Parental responsibilities and state assistance Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their child and should always consider what is best for the child. Governments must support parents by creating support services for children and giving parents the help they need to raise their children. Article 30 - The right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live.
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Version: 7.0 Wellbeing Indicator – Responsible There are five relevant articles of the UNCRC (Rights of the Child) linked to the Responsible indicator. Article 3 - Best interests of the child The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children. Children and Young People have the right to have their interests considered if a decision is being made by any person about them. What is best for them is what matters. Article 12 - Respect for the views of the child Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life. Children and Young People have the right to speak up and have their opinions listened to and be taken seriously by adults on things that affect them. Article 14 - Freedom of thought, conscience and religion Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up. Children and Young People have the right to choose their own religion and beliefs. Their parents should help them think about this. Article 15 - Freedom of association Every child has the right to meet with other children and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights. Article 40 - Juvenile justice A child accused or guilty of breaking the law must be treated with dignity and respect. They have the right to legal assistance and a fair trial that takes account of their age. Governments must set a minimum age for children to be tried in a criminal court and manage a justice system that enables children who have been in conflict with the law to reintegrate into society. Children and Young People have the right to be given legal assistance if they have committed a crime. The Convention also states that they should only be sent to prison if they have committed a serious crime.
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Version: 7.0 Wellbeing Indicator – Included There are five relevant articles of the UNCRC (Rights of the Child) linked to the Included indicator. Article 3 - Best interests of the child The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children. Children and Young People have the right to have their interests considered if a decision is being made by any person about them. What is best for them is what matters. Article 6 - Life, survival and development Every child has the right to life. Governments must do all they can to ensure that children survive and develop to their full potential. Children and Young People have the right to be kept safe from harm, they have the right to be alive, survive and develop through life. Article 18 - Parental responsibilities and state assistance Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their child and should always consider what is best for the child. Governments must support parents by creating support services for children and giving parents the help they need to raise their children. Article 23 - Children with disabilities A child with a disability has the right to live a full and decent life with dignity and, as far as possible, independence and to play an active part in the community. Governments must do all they can to support children with a disability and their families. Children and Young People have the right to have special help to make sure they can join in with things if they have any form of disability. Article 26 - Social security Every child has the right to benefit from social security. Governments must provide social security, including financial support and other benefits, to families in need of assistance. Article 27 - Adequate standard of living Every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and social needs and support their development. Governments must help families who cannot afford to provide this. Children and Young People have the right to a safe place to live, food, clothing and to take part in things they enjoy.