A new council service for owners of shared properties looking to organise repairs is to launch next week.

The Shared Repairs Service will provide advice and information to owners through the process of organising repairs; this can range from finding a contractor to arranging payments. It will also guide owners to other repair support services such as property factoring, property management agencies and mediation as well as the use of legislative powers, such as the Tenement Management Scheme.

The Council will retain its statutory notice powers and will maintain the current 24/7 emergency service for urgent repairs.

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Last year, an extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders revealed there was still demand for the Council to provide a project management service for more significant shared repairs.

Options for this will be explored over the coming months, with a report expected to be delivered to the Council in about three months.

Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Finance and Budget Convener, said: "Maintaining the safety of Edinburgh’s properties is a concern for us all. Our aim is to find the right balance, based on the outcomes of the consultation exercise, with the Council taking a lead role in emergencies and providing support for non-urgent cases."

Mr Rankin added: "This new service will be focused on our customers. Staff are receiving comprehensive training so that they can ensure property owners get the information and advice they need. We also know that there is demand from the public for the Council to have a bigger role in this area and we will be looking at potential options."

The new service launches on Tuesday 2 April.

(JP/CD)