Following the latest Government announcements regarding the lockdown restrictions imposed during January, we would like to reassure our tenants and other customers that, although our office is still closed to the public, our colleagues remain fully contactable on 08000 274 007 or via info@fifehg.org.uk and will continue working safely under the current guidelines.
The health and safety of our tenants, other customers, contractors and colleagues remains paramount at this time and we are taking all possible precautions to prevent against the risk of infection, ensuring that we have the correct procedures and PPE in place to allow all necessary works to continue within tenants’ homes and communities, however, if you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact your Housing Officer to discuss these directly.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to delivering our services safely in line with the advice and guidance issued by The Scottish Government, the most recent version of which can be viewed in full here.
We appreciate your ongoing support and patience as we work within these new guidelines.
We know January can be a particularly worrying month financially at the best of times, and even more so under the current circumstances. It may be that you have overspent at Christmas, have been furloughed and seen a reduction in your income or have lost your job and are waiting for a benefit claim to be assessed, whatever the reason, if you have any concerns about making ends meet we are here to offer advice and support.
If you need to discuss your rent account, applying for Universal Credit or maximising your income, please get in touch with your Housing Officer who will be able to help. Even if you have already missed payments, the most important step is to make contact with us, as the earlier you speak to us, the earlier we can help to get you back on track.
Under current lockdown restrictions, we are only permitted to undertake essential and emergency repairs within tenants’ homes, however, please continue to report all repairs as normal so that these can be logged and actioned as soon as government guidelines allow.
The most efficient way to report standard repairs is through our website, however, gas central heating repairs are best reported directly to the relevant contractor using the contact details below or by calling 08000 274 007 and choosing the option which puts you through to the correct gas contractor for your area.
East Fife (Hill of Beath to Ceres) – Kingdom Gas – 0800 389 9463
West Fife (Dunfermline to High Valleyfield) – City Technical – 0333 202 0708
Gas servicing and repairs, electrical inspections and smoke detection upgrades are all classed as essential health and safety works and will continue as normal. Please note that in some instances it may also be necessary for an asbestos contractor to attend as part of the electrical inspection process.
We are continuing to safely undertake external repairs and maintenance as appropriate, subject to suitable weather conditions.
The allocation of empty properties continues to be allowed under current guidelines and work is ongoing to ensure that these meet our letting standard when new tenants move in.
We have, however, had to suspend all mutual exchange applications for the time being. Any previously submitted applications which have a medial priority will continue to be dealt with.
Housing Officers are continuing to carry out estate inspections, albeit in very reduced numbers. We have seen a huge increase in the number of items and amount of rubbish being dumped in internal closes, external pathways and gardens. Please remember that recycling centres are open again and, although they are operating at reduced capacity with the need to book in advance, we must work together to ensure we keep our communities safe and clean for all tenants and residents. You can book an appointment and find more information regarding recycling centres here. If you see any items dumped in your close or communal areas, please let your Housing Officer know as soon as possible.
You can now report COVID-19 breaches as they happen using this Police Scotland online form.
All of our previous Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates can be found here.
You can also check out a list of frequently asked questions regarding the impact of Coronavirus here.
