City Housing Strategy - Edinburgh Council

City Housing Strategy Databook – June 2015

Introduction Welcome to the City Housing Strategy Databook 2015.

This updates the information contained in the Databook published in June 2014. Some of the graphs and commentary in this Databook have been updated where new information has become available.

The Databook follows the same structure as the City Housing Strategy 201217 and contains supporting information referred to throughout the Strategy. It uses a series of graphs to provide context for the current housing market system, evidence for strategic direction and a baseline for monitoring progress of the Strategy. The Databook presents statistics on demographic change, tenure patterns, housing supply and demand, house conditions, energy efficiency and fuel poverty, homelessness and housing support and the Council’s performance.

For further information, please contact the Strategy Team at [email protected]

Contents

City Profile 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

5 Population Projections Household Projections Household Types Projected Housing Need House Prices House Sales Volume Jobseeker’s Allowance Claimants Student Population Percentage of Houses and Flats Age of Dwellings in Edinburgh

Outcome 1: People live in a home they can afford 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.

Affordable Housing Need in SESplan Area Ratio of House Price to Income Households by Tenure in Edinburgh Average Prices in the Private Rented Sector Average Time to Let in the Private Rented Sector Energy Prices, Rent Levels and Median Income New Build Housing Completions Affordable and Private Housing Completions Right to Buy Sales Homes Delivered Through Affordable Housing Policy Investment in Affordable Housing Affordable Housing Approvals by Tenure Affordable Housing Completions and Approvals 21st Century Homes Completions Number of Vacant Homes Council Tax Discount on Empty Homes

6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19

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Outcome 2:

27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37.

People live in a warm, safe and accessible home in a well-managed neighbourhood

20

Residents Satisfaction with Their Neighbourhood Antisocial Behaviour Complaints Received Level of Disrepair in the Private Sector Scottish Housing Quality Standard for Council Homes Investment in Improving Council Homes Scottish Housing Quality Standard for all Tenures Council Tenants Satisfaction with Repairs Fuel Poverty in Edinburgh Energy Efficiency Rating by Tenure Investment in Energy Efficiency Measures Referrals for Energy Efficiency Advice

21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26

Outcome 3: People can move home if they need to 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59.

Council Tenants Affected by Under Occupation Number of Mutual Exchanges Council Tenants Use of Internet Edindex Bids by Method Number of Homeless Presentations Homelessness Advice Reasons for Presenting as Homeless Homelessness Household Compositions Homeless Presentations with Support Needs Projected Change in Population Number of New Telecare Installations Long Term Sick and Disabled Number of Adults with a Learning Disability Number of Adaptations Carried Out Average Number of bids per Choice Advert Homelessness Cases Housed by Tenure Households in Temporary Accommodation Average Length of Stay in Temporary Accommodation Number of Looked After Children Average Council Time to Let Eviction Action Taken Number of People Receiving Housing Support

27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 36 37 37 38 38

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City Profile  Edinburgh’s population is projected to grow at a faster rate than the Scottish average with an additional 88,000 households living in the city by 2037. This growth in population will lead to increasing demand for new homes and increasing pressure on existing Council services.  The average house price in Edinburgh in 2014/15 was £234,806. This is more expensive than any other Scottish city and 29% higher than the Scottish average. High house prices and strict lending criteria mean that many households are excluded from home ownership leading to high demand for private rented homes and social housing.  66% of homes in Edinburgh are flats and 50% of homes in Edinburgh were built before 1945. Older, flatted properties can be difficult and expensive to maintain, especially in cases of mixed ownership. Flats above the ground floor can also have accessibility issues for older and disabled people.

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Edinburgh’s population is expected to increase at a greater rate than the Scottish average.

1.

The number of people living in Edinburgh is projected to increase by 28.2% from 482,640 in 2012 to 618,978 in 2037. The Scottish population is projected to increase by 8.8% over the same period.

Projected Percentage Change of Population 2012-2037 100% 80% 60% 40%

In Edinburgh the number of people in all age groups is projected to increase.

20% 0% All Ages 0-15

16-29

30-49

50-64

65-74

75+

-20% Scotland

Edinburgh

Source: National Records of Scotland

2.

The number of households in Edinburgh is projected to increase by 88,000 by 2037. Projected Percentage Change in Number of Households 2012-2037

45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

Edinburgh is projected to be the fastest growing local authority city in Scotland. The number of households is projected to increase by 39% from 224,875 in 2012 to 313,033 in 2037. During the same period the number of households in Glasgow – the largest Scottish city – is projected to increase by 24% from 286,134 to 354,006. An increasing number of households will result in a higher demand for housing.


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3.

Single person households are projected to increase while households with one child or more will decrease. Projected Percentage of Household Types in Edinburgh 2010 and 2037

100%

7%

9%

90%

13%

16%

80% 70% 60%

30%

30%

50%

6%

5%

40% 30% 20%

40%

44%

2010

2035

10% 0% 1 adult

1 adult + child(ren)

2+ adults + child(ren)

3+ adults

The percentage of single person households is projected to increase from 40% in 2010 to 45% in 2035. The percentage of households with one child or more is projected to decrease from 21% to 19% during the same period. A mix of age groups and household types is important to ensure communities are sustainable. Actions are required to help families with children remain in the city, including the construction of more affordable family homes.

2 adults


4.

The projected housing need and demand for Edinburgh in a 10 year period could range between 38,000 and 46,000. Edinburgh Housing Need and Demand 20122021 (10 years)

50,000 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 Steady Recovery

Wealth Distribution

Affordable Housing Need

Strong Economic Growth

Market Housing Demand

The latest South East Scotland (SESplan) Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA2) projected that Edinburgh would require 38,000 to 46,000 new homes in the 10 years of 2012-2021, depending on the assumptions and scenarios used. The HNDA estimates are likely to be different from that of the SESplan local authorities’ housing supply targets (and housing land requirements), which are set taking into account economic factors, issues of capacity, resource availability etc.

Source: SESplan Housing Need and Demand Assessment 2014/15 (HNDA2)

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5.

Edinburgh has the highest average house prices compared to other Scottish cities. Average house prices in Scotland remained stable over the last few years. Aberdeen has showed an upward trend in the last four years while there was a slight downward trend in Glasgow.

Average House Price of Scottish City Local Authorities Thousands

£260 £240 £220 £200

Edinburgh has the highest average house prices when compared to other Scottish cities.

£180 £160 £140 £120 £100 2007/08 2008/09 2009/102010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Scotland

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Aberdeen

Dundee

Stirling

High house prices combined with stagnating household incomes is preventing many people from becoming home owners and increasing demand for social housing, affordable housing and private rented housing.

Source: Registers of Scotland

6.

The number of house sales in Edinburgh and Scotland has shown some recovery in the last two years.

16000

160000

14000

140000

12000

120000

10000

100000

8000

80000

6000

60000

4000

40000

2000

20000

0

0

Edinburgh

Scotland

NUmber of Sales in Scotland

180000

NUmber of Sales in Edinburgh

18000

It is has been more difficult for people to access home homeownership since the economic downturn. Registers of Scotland (RoS) record all house sales in Scotland within the price range of £20,000 to £1 million. The number of house sales in Edinburgh recorded by RoS has increased by 11% between 2013/14 and 2014/15 but was still 29% lower than in 2007/08.

Source: Registers of Scotland

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7.

The proportion of housing benefit claimants in Edinburgh in employment has increased by over 65% since 2009. Proportion of Housing Benefit Claimants In Employment

24.0% 22.0%

The proportion of people on housing benefit who are in employment has increased from 13.2% to 22.1% in the past 6 years. This indicates that more people in employment need help with housing costs.

20.0% 18.0% 16.0%

Increasing rent levels and stagnating wages mean that housing costs are increasingly unaffordable for working people.

14.0% 12.0% 10.0%

Source: Department for Work and Pensions

8.

Students studying in and around Edinburgh increase demand for private rented homes. University Enrollment 2013/14

30000 25000 20000

About 56,400 students were enrolled in one of the four universities situated in and around Edinburgh in 2013/14. This is a reduction of 4% since 2011/12 when about 58,900 students were enrolled. The majority of students stay in the private rented sector. However, over the last few years there has been a significant increase in purpose built student accommodation in Edinburgh.

15000 10000 5000 0 University Edinburgh Heriot Watt Queen of Napier University Margaret Edinburgh University University Full Time

Part Time

The Council supported the establishment of Edinburgh Student Housing Co-op which provides affordable accommodation for over 100 students.

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

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9.

Two thirds of all homes in Edinburgh are flats. House Types in Edinburgh and Scotland 2011/13

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Flats account for 66% of all homes in Edinburgh, which is well above the Scottish average of 37% and the second highest proportion of flats in Scotland. This has implications for accessibility and for repairs and maintenance, especially in shared areas.

Edinburgh Flats

Scotland Houses

Source: Scottish House Condition Survey 2011/13

10.

Half of the homes in Edinburgh were built before 1945 making Edinburgh’s housing stock significantly older than housing in other areas of Scotland. Age of Dwelling 2011/13

80% 70%

50% of the homes in Edinburgh were built before 1945, compared to the Scottish average of 32%. Edinburgh has the highest percentage of homes built before 1945.

60% 50%

The relatively old profile of Edinburgh homes means higher requirements for maintenance, more conservation issues and challenges in improving energy efficiency.

40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Pre 1945 Edinburgh

Post 1945 Scotland

Source: Scottish House Condition Survey 2011/13

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Outcome 1: People live in home they can afford.  The second Housing Needs and Demand Assessment (HNDA2) for the SESplan area shows that housing need in Edinburgh remains high. Depending on the assumptions made about economic growth (and other assumptions), the report identifies demand for between around 38,000 and 46,000 new homes in Edinburgh over the next ten years.  Edinburgh has the fourth highest median house price to median household income ratio in Scotland. This means it is difficult for households on an average income to buy a home in the city without assistance.  High demand for private rented homes has contributed to rising rents and shorter re-let times. The cost of private renting in Edinburgh has increased significantly making the private rented sector less affordable and at the same time, making it more difficult for private renters to save a deposit to buy a home.  More intermediate tenures, such as mid market rent and shared equity homes should be made available to those who cannot afford private housing but are unlikely to be offered social rented housing.  The number of new homes completed has reduced significantly since the recession but has shown some recovery in the last couple of years. The Council has been working closely with the Scottish Government, housing associations and private developers to increase the supply of new homes.  The Council has adopted a flexible and innovative approach to providing new affordable homes with limited funding. It is participating in the National Housing Trust (NHT) programme to build mid market rented homes, is delivering new, energy efficient homes through the Council’s 21st Century Homes programme and has an effective Affordable Housing Planning Policy. The number of affordable homes completed has trebled since 2008.  Edinburgh has a lower proportion of vacant homes than the Scottish average, though it has a relatively high proportion of second homes. On 1 January 2014, a new policy on Council Tax discount was implemented. The policy reduces the Council Tax discount rate for empty and unfurnished homes from 50% to 10% after six months and increases charges to full Council Tax plus a 100% surcharge after 12 months. This policy is intended to encourage owners to bring empty homes back into use.

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11.

More than half of the SESplan housing need and demand originates from Edinburgh. SESplan Housing Need and Demand 2012-2021 Steady Economic Growth, 2012 Based Household Projection

40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000

The latest housing need and demand assessment found that Edinburgh continues to have high housing need and demand, with more than half of the SESplan housing need and demand originating from Edinburgh. It is the SESplan local authorities’ intention to divert some of the Edinburgh’s housing need and demand to the neighbouring local authorities.

10,000 5,000 0

Affordable Housing Need

Market Housing Demand

Source: SESplan Housing Need and Demand Assessment 2014/15 (HNDA2)

12.

Edinburgh had the fourth highest house price to household income ratio in Scotland in 2013. Neighbouring East Lothian, Midlothian, and Scottish Borders were also in the top 10. Top 10 Median House Price to Median Household Income Ratio 2013

6.20 6.00 5.80 5.60 5.40 5.20 5.00 4.80 4.60 4.40

Registers of Scotland recorded 8,404 second hand and new build house sales in Edinburgh in 2013. This does not include Right to Buy sales and inter-family sales. The median sales price was £178,193 and the median household income in Edinburgh was £30,937. This gives an affordability ratio of 5.76, compared to the ratio of 5.91 the year before.

Source: Scottish Government’s Centre for Housing Market Analysis Data Pack 2014 (2013 Data). Includes properties worth less than £20K and more than £1million.

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13.

The private rented sector has increased in size significantly over the last 10 years. Tenure of households in Edinburgh by year

80 70

The private rented sector has doubled in size over the last decade, and now makes up more than a quarter of Edinburgh households. Over the same period the percentage owner occupied and social rented households has fallen.

60 50 40

High house prices, limited availability of mortgage finance and a shortage of homes for social rent have contributed to the rapid increase in the size of the private rented sector.

30 20 10 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Owner occupied

Social rented

Private rented

Source: Scottish Household Survey

14.

Private rents have been increasing steadily indicating increasing demand in the sector. Average Monthly Rent in Edinburgh PRS

1600 1400

The average private rent has increased by 25% from £732 per month in Q1 2009 to £913 per month in Q1 2015. The largest rent increase during this time was in four bedroom homes (29%) and the smallest increase was in one bedroom homes (17%).

1200 1000 800

Restrictions on mortgage lending, high deposits and economic uncertainty are likely to have increased demand in the private rented sector.

600 400

All

1 bed

2 bed

3 bed

4 bed

Source: Citylets

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15.

The average time taken to let a two bedroom home dropped to the lowest recorded level in 2014. The average time taken to let a two bedroom private rented home in Edinburgh fell from 48 days in Q1 2009 to 24 days in Q1 2015.

Avearge Time to Let a 2 Bedroom Flat in Edinburgh (days) 60 50

Shorter letting times indicate increased demand in the market. This increase in demand is likely to be due to a number of factors including restrictions on mortgage lending, high deposits and economic uncertainty.

40 30 20 10 0 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014 2015

Source: Citylets

16.

The cost of fuel and rent is rising faster than median income. Percentage Change in Energy Bills, Average Rent and Median Income

35% 30% 25% 20% 15%

Over this period median income has only risen by 13%, having a significant impact on affordability.

10% 5% 0% 2007

The average annual fuel bill for a home in Edinburgh has risen by 33% between 2007 and 2014 and the average annual private rental rate in Edinburgh increased by 24%.

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Increase in Energy Bills Increase in Private Rent Increase in Median Gross Weekly Income

2014

Although energy prices may reduce in the near future, the cost of fuel will continue to have a large impact on affordability of housing.

Source: Citylets, Department of Energy & Climate Change, ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

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17.

The supply of new build housing in Edinburgh remains below the pre-economic downturn level. Edinburgh and Scotland Housing Completions (All Tenures)

2,000

25,000

1,800 1,600

20,000

1,400 1,200

15,000

1,000 800

10,000

600 400

5,000

200 0

0 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Edinburgh, City of

1,370 new homes were completed in Edinburgh during 2013/14. Although this is an increase from the year before, it is still below the level in 2008/09, before the impact of the economic downturn became evident. The Council is working with partners to increase the supply of housing and support the construction industry. There are over 1,000 affordable homes under construction in the city at any one time.

SCOTLAND

Source: Housing Statistics for Scotland

18.

The number of private homes completed increased in the last three years, indicating a recovery of the private housing market. Private Sector New Build Completions The number of new private homes completed reduced significantly between 2008/09 and 2010/11, but has shown some recovery since 2011/12.

1,600 1,400

1,453

1,200 1,000

953

800 600 400

Some of this recovery is likely to be down to support of public sector funding such as Help to Buy and the National Housing Trust programme.

200 0 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14


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19.

The number of Right to Buy (RTB) sales to sitting Council tenants has increased slightly in the last two years. Right to Buy Sales to Sitting Tenants

900 800 700 600

There were 81 RTB sales to sitting Council tenants in 2013/14, significantly lower than the period around 2002 when Modernised RTB was first introduced. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 will end RTB for all council and housing association tenants on 1 August 2016. It is anticipated that the number of RTB sales will increase slightly in the next year or so as some sitting tenants look to purchase their homes before the deadline.

500 400 300 200 100 -


20.

The amount of affordable housing delivered through the Affordable Housing Policy (AHP) has increased significantly since 2008/09. Homes Completed on Land Aaquired through AHP

800 700 600

The AHP requires 25% of private housing developments, with 12 homes or more, to be used for affordable housing. Since 2009/10, 2058 homes have been delivered through the AHP. 268 homes were delivered through the AHP in the last financial year, more than 5 times as many as in 2008/09.

500 400 300 200 100 0 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Source: The City of Edinburgh Council

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21.

The amount of private finance being invested in affordable housing increased in 2014/15 when compared to 2013/14. Total Investment Approved for Affordable Housing

£250.00 £200.00 £150.00 £100.00 £50.00 £0.00

Private Finance

Public Funding Approved

A total of £182.17 million of private finance and public funding was invested in affordable housing in 2014/15, more than doubling since 2012/13. Figures include affordable housing approved through all funding models: Affordable Housing Supply Programme, 21st Century Homes, National Housing Trust, unsubsidised Mid Market Rent/Shared Equity, Golden Share, other Government funded schemes (e.g. LIFT) and Rental Guarantee Models.


22.

More intermediate affordable homes have been approved for development. This will provide a range of affordable housing options to meet different needs in the city. Affordable Housing Tenures Approved Through All Funding Models

1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

LCHO

Mid Market Rent

Social rent

As demand for intermediate tenures has grown, the number of intermediate homes being delivered has increased. In 2014/15 53.9% of new affordable homes were for mid market rent, 29.2% for social rent and 16.9% for low cost home ownership. The increase of low cost home ownership and mid market rent will help provide a range of affordable housing options to meet different needs in the city. This also helps to make better use of the funding available as these tenures require less subsidy per home.


Page 17 of 38

23.

Innovative funding mechanisms and development of more intermediate affordable homes is required to increase the number of affordable homes delivered. Approvals and Completions Through All Funding Models

1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Completions

Approvals

Including the Council’s 21st Century Homes, National Housing Trust (NHT) and other unsubsidised affordable homes, a total of 1,558 new affordable homes were approved for site start in 2011/12. This was the first time the number of approvals for affordable homes came close to the estimated need of 1,660 affordable homes a year. In 2014/15, 1,055 new affordable homes were delivered and a further 1,437 were approved for development.


24.

The Council’s 21st Century Homes Programme is delivering the first new Council homes in a generation. 21st Century Homes Completions (to 31 March 2014) and Homes On Site during 2014/15

400 350

The 21st Century Homes programme will deliver a range of mixed tenure homes including flats and family sized homes on five sites across the city. Up to 1,400 new homes will be built across the city.

300 250

A total of 145 new homes have now been completed at Gracemount. These include 99 affordable homes and 46 homes for sale on the private market.

200 150 100 50 0 Completed to 31 March 14

On site during 14/15

Social Rent

Mid Market Rent

Shared Equity

Private Sale

More than 350 homes were under construction during 2014/15 in Gracemount, Greendykes, West Pilton and Pennywell.

Source: The City of Edinburgh Council (21st Century Homes Programme)

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Edinburgh had the 6th lowest percentage of vacant homes in 2013.

25.

Percentage of Vacant Homes September 2013 6.0% 5.0% 4.0% 3.0%

2.8%

In 2013, 2.0% of Edinburgh’s homes were vacant compared to the Scottish average of 2.8%. Only 5 local authorities have lower percentages of vacant homes in their areas. The Council appointed a dedicated empty homes officer in early 2015 for a one year pilot. The main remit of the officer is to work with owners to bring the empty homes back into use, thus increasing the supply of homes. The officer will also explore opportunities to make use of nonresidential empty properties.

2.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0%


26.

The new Council Tax policy has encouraged more owners to put their empty homes on market for sale or rent. A new policy on Council tax discount on empty homes was implemented on 1 January 2014, which includes charging full Council Tax plus 100% surcharge on homes that have been empty for more than 12 months and giving 50% discount for homes that are actively on market for sale/rent. This policy is intended to encourage owners to bring empty homes back into use.

Properties Clamining Empty or Second Homes Council Tax Discounts 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500

Empty > 12 months Empty > 6 months, or furnished empty Second homes On market for sale/rent

Apr-15

Mar-15

Feb-15

Jan-15

Dec-14

Nov-14

Oct-14

Sep-14

Aug-14

Jul-14

Jun-14

May-14

Apr-14

0

30% more empty homes were put on market for sale/rent in April 2015 than a year ago and the number of very long term empty homes (over 12 months) has reduced slightly by 7.5%; indicating the Council Tax discount policy is having a positive impact on reducing empty homes in the city.

Source: City of Edinburgh Council

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Outcome 2: People live in a warm, safe home in a well-managed neighbourhood.  Over 1,900 energy efficiency measures were installed in Edinburgh through the Home Energy Efficiency Programme: Area Based Scheme 2013/14 programme.  The Council has invested over £226 million in bringing homes up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) since 2006/07.  Based on the findings from the Edinburgh People’s Survey, people satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live remained high in 2014. The number of anti social behaviour complaints received by the Council has reduced year by year.

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People’s satisfaction with their neighbourhood as a place to live remains high.

27.

Edinburgh People Survey - Satisfied with Neighbourhood as a Place to Live 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Neither/Nor

Don't Know

The Edinburgh People Survey is the Council's annual citizen survey, measuring satisfaction with the Council and its services and identifying areas for improvement. The survey is undertaken through face-to-face interviews with around 5,000 residents each year. Although the satisfaction with the neighbourhood as a place has fallen from 93% in 2013 to 88% in 2014, it still remains high and in line with the long term trend. The survey found that satisfaction relates strongly to benefit claimant numbers in a ward; welfare reform could be a contributing factor for the reduced satisfaction with neighbourhood.

Source: The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh People Survey

28.

Antisocial behaviour complaints have reduced year by year since 2011. Number of Antisocial Behaviour Complaints Received

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2011

2012

2013

The number of antisocial behaviour complaints received by neighbourhood offices has reduced year by year since 2011. The number of complaints received has reduced by 29% from 550 during Q4 2011 to 391 during Q4 2014. The Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Strategy aims to tackle the causes of antisocial behaviour with a focus on prevention and partnership working.

2014


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29.

Edinburgh has a lower percentage of homes in urgent disrepair than the Scottish average. Percentage of Homes in Disrepair and Urgent Disrepair 2011/13

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Edinburgh Scotland % Edinburgh Scotland % % in in Disrepair % in Urgent in Urgent Disrepair Disrepair Disrepair

About 34% of homes in Edinburgh were in urgent disrepair 2011/13, compared to the Scottish average of 38%. Urgent disrepair relates to cases requiring immediate repair to prevent further damage or health and safety risk to occupants. As expected, homes built before 1945 are more prone to urgent disrepair than those built after 1945, as is the case with flats (38%) versus houses (25%). More targeted actions are required to help owners, especially those in older flats, to tackle the disrepair. The level of general disrepair in Edinburgh’s homes (81%) is in line with the Scottish average (80%).

Source: Scottish House Condition Survey Local Authority Analyses 2011/13

30.

All Council homes now comply with the Scottish Housing Quality Standards (SHQS). Council Homes SHQS Pass Rate

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Although all Council homes now comply with the SHQS, there are some exceptions, where the standards cannot be met due to technical reasons (exemptions), and some where tenants or neighbouring owners have not been willing to participate in improvements (abeyances). The homes classed as abeyances will be prioritised through the HRA Capital Programme over the next five years.

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015


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31.

The Council has invested over £226 million in bringing homes up to the SHQS since 2006/07.

Millions

Investment in Council Homes to Achieve SHQS 35 30 25

Since 2006/07, the Council has invested over £226 million in improving homes to meet the SHQS. This investment has improved the quality of Council homes significantly, which helps reduce the number of reactive repairs required.

20 15 10 5 0


32.

50% of Edinburgh’s homes (all tenures) met the SHQS in the 2011/13 survey, compared to the Scottish average of 46%. SHQS Pass Rate by Tenure 2011/13 The percentage of Edinburgh homes which meet the SHQS has increased from 26% in 2004/07 to 50% in 2011/13, and compared well to the Scottish average of 46%.

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% All Tenure

Owner Social rented occupied Scotland

Private rented

40% of the social rented homes in Edinburgh failed the “Health, Safe and Secure” criterion of the SHQS. This in part reflects the difficulty of getting owners in mixed tenure blocks to agree to SHQS work such as secure door entry systems.

Edinburgh

Source: Scottish House Condition Survey

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33.

Satisfaction with repairs carried out to Council homes by Edinburgh Building Services remains high. Tenants Satisfaction with Repairs Satisfaction with repairs carried out to Council homes by Edinburgh Building Services has remained high.

100% 90% 80% 70% 60%

92% of tenants were satisfied with the repairs carried out to their home in 2014/15.

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%


34.

More than a quarter of Edinburgh’s households are in fuel poverty. Fuel Poverty in Edinburgh 2011/13 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

26% of Edinburgh’s households are in fuel poverty, defined as needing to spend more than 10% of the household income to maintain a satisfactory heating regime at home. Owner occupied households are more likely to be fuel poor than households in other tenure and pensioner households are most likely to be in fuel poverty when compared to other types of household. Increasing fuel costs are becoming more of a factor in overall housing affordability.


Page 24 of 38

35.

Social rented homes are more energy efficient than homes in other tenures. Energy efficiency of homes is measured by SAP rating. The higher the SAP rating, the more energy efficient the home.

Average Energy Efficeincy Rating (SAP Rating) by Tenure 70.0 68.0

Social rented homes are, on average, more energy efficient than homes in other tenures. This is the result of the investment made to achieve the SHQS. Further investment in social rented homes will be required to achieve the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH) by 2020.

66.0 64.0 62.0 60.0 58.0 All Tenures

Owner occupied

Social rented

Private rented

The Scottish Government set up a working group in 2013 to consider the Regulations of Energy Efficiency in Private Sector Homes (REEPS).


36.

Over 1,930 insulation measures were installed in Edinburgh homes through the 2013/14 HEEP:ABS Programme. Over 1,930 insulation measures were installed be installed through the 2013/14 Home Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEPS): Area Based Scheme (ABS), benefitting approximately 1,880 homes in Edinburgh.

Measures Installed through HEEPS:ABS 2013/14 Programme 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

1488

315 17

83

26

3

The HEEPS:ABS programme for the next two years will focus on the more expensive, technically complicated measures, such as the hard to treat cavity wall insulations.


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37.

Over 4,100 households in Edinburgh received referrals to trusted schemes for energy efficiency advice and assistance. Referrals to Trusted Schemes in Edinburgh

10000 9000

Home Energy Scotland (South East) provides advice and assistance to residents in Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and Scottish Borders. In 2013/14, 4145 households in Edinburgh received referrals from the centre to various trusted schemes. The reduction in recent years is due to changes in energy assistance schemes in 2013.

8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

The schemes provide financial and practical advice and assistance to the households, including installation of energy efficiency measures, energy tariff and benefit checks, advocacy and case work.

Source: Home Energy Scotland (South East)

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Outcome 3: People can move home if they need to.  The number of people presenting as homeless has continued to fall despite increases in basic living costs such as fuel and food, stagnating wages and the impact of welfare reform reducing the income of thousands of households across the city.  Demand for social housing remains high with an average of 144 bids being received for every home advertised through Choice in 2014/15. 90% of bids were made on-line.  760 adaptations were carried out to homes and 598 Technology Enabled Care (previously known as Telecare) packages were installed in 2014/15. Providing adaptations and assistive technology can help older people and disabled people stay safely in their home for longer.

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38.

The number of Council tenants who are affected by under occupation and in rent arrears has stabilised in 2014/15. The proportion of tenants affected by under occupation and in arrears peaked at 76% in August 2013. This has since fallen to 52% in April 2014 and stabilised during 2014/15.

% of Council Tenants Affected by Under Occupation and in Arrears 80% 70% 60%

The Council has been working closely with tenants to provide advice and information about welfare reform measures and Discretionary Housing Payments.

50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

2013/14

Mar

Feb

Jan

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

0%

2014/15

The focus for 2015/16 is to assist those affected by Universal Credit, which started in Edinburgh in March 2015.


39.

The House Exchange scheme provides social tenants another means to access housing that suits their needs. Tenants Registered with House Exchange

2500

2000

1500

1000

Edinburgh House Exchange allows social housing tenants to swap homes so that both households have a home which is better suited to their needs. This can benefit those who are overcrowded and those who have had their housing benefit reduced because they are living in a home that is deemed to be too big. The number of households registered with the scheme has dropped slightly to 1,901 in 2014/15 but is still higher than 2010/11 when it was first introduced.

500

0 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15


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40.

Only 48% of Council tenants report using the internet or mobile apps while it is estimated that 86% of all households across the city have internet access in their homes. % of Council tenants who make use of the internet, smart phones or mobile apps

90% 80% 70%

48% of Council tenants who took part in the 2013 Tenants’ Survey reported making use of the internet or mobile apps. Use of the internet decreased significantly with age. Access to the internet is becoming increasingly important for people to manage their money, apply for jobs and find homes.

60% 50% 40% 30%

When Universal Credit is introduced, claimants will be expected to apply for and manage their benefits online.

20% 10% 0% 16-34

35-64

65+


41.

The vast majority of bids for housing on EH-Your Key to Choice are made online. Bids for housing on Choice by method 2014/15

100% 90%

90%

80%

Very few applicants make housing bids in person, by letter or over the telephone, although these options are still available for applications if required.

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

90% of the bids for homes available on EH-Your Key to Choice (Choice) were made online in 2014/15, with paper applications making up most other bids.

9% 0.14%

0.004%

0%

0.8%

The Council is working with EdIndex partners to provide a variety of digital options for EdIndex customers, including the development of on-line application forms and text alerts.


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42.

The number of homeless presentations in Edinburgh has fallen steadily since 2007/08. The number of applications made to the Council under Homelessness Legislation has fallen by more than 21% from 5,148 presentations in 2007/08 to 4,040 presentations in 2013/14.

Number of Homeless Presentations in Edinburgh 5,500 5,000 4,500

A focus on preventative advice, information and support services in Edinburgh has meant that more people are able to resolve their housing issues without becoming homeless.

4,000 3,500 3,000

Source: Scottish Government Homelessness Statistics

43.

A greater proportion of people did not go on to present as homeless after receiving advice from the Council. Advice vs. Homelessness Assessments

10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Advice and Assessment Interviews

The number of advice cases which do not go on to present as homeless has increased steadily since 2007/08 and levelled off in 2014/15. Nearly 8,000 housing advice and assessment interviews were provided in 2014/15 and 51% of these cases did not go on to present as homeless. A combination of good quality, accessible and consistent housing advice and information is key to preventing homelessness.

% of advice cases did not present homeless


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44.

Household disputes caused the majority of homeless presentations during 2013/14. During 2013/14, 1,423 people (35% of all applications) stated that they were presenting as homeless due to a dispute within the household or a relationship breakdown.

Top 5 Reasons for Presenting as Homeless in Edinburgh 2013/14 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0

Other common reasons included action by the landlord for a reason other than arrears (23% of all applications) and being asked to leave home (14% of all applications).

Dispute within household / relationship breakdown: non-violent Other action by landlord resulting in the termination of the tenancy Asked to leave Dispute within household: violent or abusive Other reason for loss of accommodation


45.

Single person and single parent households accounted for over 87% of the homeless applications. Homelessness Households Compositions

70.00% 60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% Single person

2009/10

Single parent

2010/11

Couple without children

Couple Other Other with household household children without with children children

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

There has been little change in the proportion of different types of households presenting as homeless over recent years. Single “adult” households account for the majority of homeless applications in Edinburgh. 66% of the applications in 2013/14 came from single person households and 21% came from single parent households. In 2013/14, a total of 35% of homeless applications came from households with dependent children.


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46.

Targeted support that focuses on prevention has helped to reduce the number of homelessness presentations and presentations with support needs. Homelessness Presentations with Support Needs

3,500 3,000

The number of homelessness presentations reduced by 16% between 2008/09 and 2013/14. The number of households presenting as homeless who have one or more support needs has reduced by 31%, from 1,683 in 2008/09 to 1,161 in 2013/14.

2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 No Support Needs

One Support Need

Two Support Needs

Three Support Needs

This is the result of targeted housing support for people who need initial support to establish their tenancy and make contact with health and care services.

Four Support Needs or More


47.

The number of older people living in Edinburgh is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the total population. Projected Percentage Change of Population 2012-2037

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% -20%

All Ages

0-15 16-29 30-49 50-64 65-74 75+ Scotland

Between 2012 and 2037, the total population in Edinburgh is expected to grow by 28.2%, while the 64-74 and the 75+ age groups are projected to increase by 56.1% and 75.5% respectively. It is important to ensure that new homes being built are as accessible and adaptable as possible in order to meet the needs of an ageing population.

Edinburgh

Source: National Records of Scotland Page 32 of 38

48.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) packages can help older people and disabled people to remain independent in their own homes for longer. Number of New Telecare Installations

700 600 500

In 2014/15, there were 1,060 standard installations of community alarm system. These allow people to make a call in an emergency by using a personal pendent or wrist pendent. There were also 598 enhanced installations (previously known as Telecare installations) in 2014/15. These were installations of sensors and monitors in addition to a standard alarm, e.g. bed senor, movement detector and cooker isolator.

400 300 200 100 0 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Over 8,000 people across Edinburgh are supported through Technology Enabled Care at any one time.


49.

Households in social housing are more likely to have a member who is long term sick or disabled. % of Edinburgh Households where At Least One Member is Long Term Sick or Disabled 2011-13 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

24% of all households in Edinburgh were said to have at least one member who is long term sick or disabled (LTSD) in 2011/13, compared to the Scottish average of 36%. 56% of the households living in social housing were said to have a member who is LTSD, compared to 22% in owner occupied housing and 8% in private rented housing. Pensioner households are more likely to have a member with LTSD than other types of households at 44%.

Source: Scottish House Condition Survey Page 33 of 38

50.

The proportion of adults with a learning disability who are known to be living in Edinburgh is higher than the Scottish average. The Number of Adults Known to Have a Learning Disability per 1,000 Population

10 8 6 4 2 0 2008

2009

2010

2011

Edinburgh

2012

2013

In 2012 there were 3,395 adults with a learning disability known to be living in Edinburgh. This equates to 8.2 adults per 1,000 of the population compared to the Scottish average of 5.9 people. There were only five local authorities in Scotland reported to have a higher ratio of people with a learning disability living in their area in 2013.

Scotland

Source: Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability

51.

More adaptations were carried out in 2014/15 than in the previous year. Adaptations Managed by the Council

800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

The Council provides adaptations for Council homes and private homes and manages funding for adaptations to housing association homes. During 2014/15, 760 adaptations were carried out compared to 727 in the previous year. Providing adaptations can help people to remain safe and independent in their homes for longer preventing the need for more intensive care.

Private Adaptations Council Adaptations Housing Association Adaptations


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52.

Demand for social housing remains high. In 2014/15 an average of 144 bids were received for every home advertised through Choice. Average Bids per Choice Advert

160 140

The Council introduced EH - Your Key to Choice, a choice based letting system, in 2003. Since 2008 Choice has gradually expanded and now includes 16 housing associations as well as the Council. This graph reflects the average number of bids for all homes advertised through Choice since 2008.

120 100 80 60 40

The demand for social rented homes is high. Each property advertised through Choice received an average of 144 bids in 2014/15.

20 0

Source: The City of Edinburgh Council (EdIndex)

53.

The proportion of homeless households housed in the private rented sector remains static while the proportion housed in Council homes is high. Homeless Cases Housed by Tenure as Percentage of Cases Closed

35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

LA Tenancy Private

The majority of homeless households were re-housed in the social rented sector, 31% in Council homes and 10% in housing association homes in 2014/15. The private rented sector plays an important role in re-housing homeless households; 6% of homeless households were housed in the sector in 2014/15, with a further 13% housed in Private Sector Leasing (PSL) homes.

RSL PSL


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54.

The number of households in temporary accommodation has been increasing since 2010. Number of Households in Different Types of Temporary Accommodation (as of 31 March)

1,000 800 600

Figures recorded by the Scottish Government represent a ‘snapshot’ of the number of households in temporary accommodation on a particular date. There has been an increase of 132 households in temporary accommodation between 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2013. The abolition of priority need in late 2012 and welfare reform have contributed to the increase in demand for temporary accommodation.

400 200 0 2009

2010

Social sector

2011 Hostel

2012

2013

2014

Bed & Breakfast


55.

The average stay in temporary accommodation is continuing to increase. Average Stay in Temporary Accommodation (days)

120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

The average length of stay in temporary accommodation has increased significantly from 69 days in 2007/08 to 101 days in 2014/15. This is an increase of 46% over the period. Such a trend is due to the lack of suitable permanent accommodation for people to move into. As well as increasing the supply of affordable housing, the Council is reviewing the temporary accommodation service and routes into housing across all tenures.


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56.

The number of Looked After Children in Edinburgh has risen significantly since 2007. Looked After Children The number of Looked After Children in Edinburgh has increased by 15% between 2007 (1,228) and 2014 (1,416).

1450 1400 1350

Homelessness at an early age can contribute to longer term difficulties so prevention work amongst young people is vital. There is a need to ensure that these young people successfully make the transition to independent or shared accommodation.

1300 1250 1200 1150 1100 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Source: Scottish Government Children’s Social Work Statistics

57.

The average time to let a Council empty home has decreased slightly from the previous year. Average Time Taken to Let Empty Homes (Days)

40 35 30 25 20 15

The average number of days taken to let an empty Council home has decreased slightly from 27 days to 25 days after two years of increase. While 25 days is above the Council target, this is still below the Scottish average. Letting homes quickly makes the best use of available stock and reduces the amount of rental income lost between lets.

10 5 0

Council Performance

Council Target


Page 37 of 38

58.

Eviction action taken against Council tenants remains low despite an increase of legal notices and cases taken to court in 2014/15. Eviction Action Taken Against Council Tenants

1400 1200 1000 800

The number of Council tenant evictions carried out in 2014/15 remains low at 47, despite an increase of legal notices and cases taken to court in the year. The focus on prevention and early intervention has helped to keep eviction as the last resort.

600 400 200 0 Year Year Year Year Year Year Year 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 Legal Notices Issued

Cases Lodged in Court

Decrees Granted

Evictions Carried Out

This current approach is consistent with the Corporate Policy & Strategy decision to prevent the use of eviction in cases where the tenant is affected by under occupation and has done all they can to avoid falling into rent arrears.


59.

Over 4,500 people receive commissioned housing support services each year. Number of People Receiving Housing Support from Commissioned Services

6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

Housing support services help to prevent people from becoming homeless, to find a home and maintain a home. Commissioned services for advice and support have been reshaped through collaborative consultation with service providers and service users, which have been in place since September 2014. The collaborative approach has helped to make services more flexible and outcome focused. This will be extended to other workstreams within the Homelessness Prevention Commissioning Plan.

Source: The City of Edinburgh Council, ECCO Monitoring Report

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