PKC’s support strategy to help hoarders

Staff will be trained to tackle problem

People who compulsively hoard could be given a new level of support under plans being considered by council officials.

Hoarding of items has been found to be a growing issue for Perth and Kinross Council’s housing service when seeking to protect both the council’s property as well as the people involved.

Now a proposed protocol for dealing with hoarders - many of whom often have mental ill-health or obsessive compulsive disorders - is to be considered by councillors.

A report to go before the housing and health committee follows a council working group which looked at the matters.

On Wednesday members are due to hear that the council spoke to the specialists in the area, including from the UK’s first Chronic Disorganisation and Hoarding Specialist to provide advice and assistance. It also called on Life-Pod, a social enterprise company which specialises in hoarding matters.

As a result council housing staff will be trained to identify hoarding, look at risk levels caused by the hoarding and potential actions, and given guidance on escalating the matter if the hoarder does not engage.

PKC also says it will bring in other agencies when necessary.

PKC’s team leader for housing development Lorraine Ross said: “Due to its very complex nature, housing and other services can struggle to fully understand the issue and respond appropriately.

“They are often unsure of the options available and the support to provide to resolve a situation. The working group therefore sought to ensure that a coordinated, person-centred and effective multi agency response was developed.

“At the heart of the approach is collective responsibility and the protocol describes the role and responsibilities of each service.

“From a housing perspective, partnership working is crucial due to the potential vulnerability of the tenant. So, by working closely together with partners an individual package of action and support to help tenants regain control of their homes and their lives can be delivered.”