Stirling Council lift age restrictions on letting some houses

Feb 5 2010 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING Council has lifted age restrictions on letting some houses.

But it says tenants will be given support to avoid lifestyle clashes” between the young and the old.

Officials say removing age restrictions will ensure a good range of choice of housing.

In a report to the council’s executive last night (Thursday) head of housing Tony Cain said: “The age-related allocations policy related to a list of 457 properties, identified in 2000, where the existing older tenant population may be less able to cope with younger tenants with chaotic lifestyles.

“The only ones that will continue to be allocated on the basis of age are those within the sheltered housing complex at Kelly Court in Stirling.”

He said there are 81 flats which are above the ground floor and are unsuitable for older people or anyone with a mobility difficulty.

But he said: “These properties are all in locations where the existing tenants are likely to be older and where some sensitivity in their allocation will help reduce problems between new and existing tenants.

“To ensure this it is proposed these properties will not be let to any applicant who at the time of allocation is in receipt of support through the Bridge or the council’s young tenants support service.”

All 81 checked to see if they can be adapted for older people.