The ways that Dundee City Council can help private houseowners maintain and improve their homes is being set out in a new document.

A report to the housing, Dundee Contract Services and environment services committee on Monday (March 22) states that government legislation introduces fundamental changes to the repair and maintenance of private sector property and this recognises that the main responsibility lies with individual owners.

Committee convener Councillor Jimmy Black said: "The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 moves away from the previous approach of direct financial assistance, in the form of grants, and looks to encourage owners to use their own resources.

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"However, councils still have an important role to play to try to ensure that all homes in their area are of a decent standard, whether they are local authority ones or privately owned.

"Financial assistance will still be available but there are other ways that we can help people look after their homes and in doing so, ensure that the quality of private sector homes across the city is improved."

The council's "scheme of assistance" includes a range of initiatives that can help disabled people to remain independent and living within their own homes and within the community in which they are familiar.

It includes grant funding for home adaptations and a comprehensive service on practical ways of coping with disabilities through the Dundee Independent Living Centre.

(GK/BMcC)