Revised downsizing scheme approved by councillors

Councillors today approved a revised incentive scheme to encourage council tenants in Moray to downsize from under-occupied houses.

The move follows consultation with tenants in the form of a survey.

The scheme, which is open to tenants living in a property with three or more bedrooms, is entirely voluntary and offers both practical and financial assistance to help eligible tenants to move.

The aim is not only to help people wanting to transfer to a smaller or more suitable house but also to return properties for reallocation where the need is greatest.

Under the existing scheme, which was introduced four years ago, tenants receive a basic payment of £1500 plus £400 for each bedroom they relinquish.

From next month, in addition to the basic payment, they will also receive £400 to compensate for the disruption of moving and to cover any unforeseen costs.

The scheme will also be extended to include tenants or qualifying occupiers of wheelchair adapted accommodation who would become eligible in cases where the household no longer needs the specialist features of the house. For adapted homes, all sizes will be considered and the household will not have to downsize.

The council’s communities committee also today agreed to set an annual target of 25 downsizing transfers per year.

An annual budget of £72,000 has already been approved to support the revised downsizing scheme.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.