Update for tenants and customers regarding provision of services due to the coronavirus pandemic

In light of the latest instruction issued by both Westminster and Holyrood on Monday 23^rd March 2020, Hjaltland Housing Association will only be dealing with emergency situations. We will be operating a very limited service, with the following repairs classed as emergency;

· Total loss of electrical power (not a power cut)

· Burst water pipe or hot water tank

· Blocked or totally unusable toilet (where there is only one in the property)

· Blocked drain if there is serious leakage or risk of flooding

· A tenant who is elderly, disabled or has young children or special needs is locked out

· Tenant is locked in (cannot get out any door of the property)

· Property is insecure following a break-in (broken window or door)

No other repairs will be completed at this time. Completion of emergency repairs will be subject to the availability of both contractors and materials. Where an emergency repair is reported, tenants will be asked a number of screening questions in relation to COVID-19 to protect the health and safety of our staff and contractors.

We would ask all tenants to adhere to the very important measures that are in place, to help our vital NHS services and our wider community. We will be suspending the allocation and re-let of our properties until we receive instruction it is safe to do so. Please remember, there are only four acceptable reasons to be stepping across your front door over the next few weeks;

• Shopping for basic necessities such as food and medicine. Shopping trips should be as infrequent as possible
• One form of exercise a day such as a run, walk or cycle. This should be done alone or only with people you live with
• Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person. This includes moving children under the age of 18 between their parents' homes, where applicable. Key workers or those with children identified as vulnerable can continue to take their children to school
• Travelling to and from work, but only where work absolutely cannot be done from home

The Association will also continue to support tenants who are suffering financial hardship due to the current circumstances, and will be available for telephone appointments only.

Hjaltland Housing Association contact details; 01595 69 4986 or mail@hjaltland.org