The Regulator said it took action to investigate after concerns were raised by residents of both sites. The residents of the Double Dykes site raised concerns relating to the standard of accommodation as well as the council’s approach to its communication and engagement with the residents. The residents of the Bobbin Mill site raised separate concerns about the standard of accommodation and the council’s approach to engaging with residents. 

The investigation found that in both sites, Perth & Kinross Council had failed to meet its obligations under the Scottish Social Housing Charter and that the sites do not meet the Scottish Government’s Minimum Site Standards.

An updated engagement plan stated that the council is engaging with the Regulator and is working constructively to address the residents’ concerns and deliver the necessary improvements. The council is progressing modernisation and improvement works which include plans to replace residents’ accommodation and other upgrades at the Double Dykes site. It will receive public subsidy from the Scottish Government to help achieve this. The council also has plans to carry out a feasibility study to identify potential future improvements to the Bobbin Mill site, the Regulator added.

George Walker, chair of the Regulator, said: “Being able to bring serious concerns to us is an important safeguard for tenants where a group of tenants have serious concerns and their landlord has not put this right.

“We investigated the serious concerns raised with us at the Double Dykes and Bobbin Mill Gypsy/Traveller sites about the quality of accommodation and poor communication.

“We will engage with Perth & Kinross Council as it takes forward the necessary improvements to address the failings at both sites.”

Perth & Kinross Council told Scottish Housing News it is “extremely disappointed” by the Regulator’s report and had requested a review of its findings.

A spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed by the Scottish Housing Regulator’s findings that we do not meet some minimum site standards and subsequent Charter Obligations at our Gypsy/Traveller sites at Double Dykes and Bobbin Mill.

“As a Housing Service, we have consistently worked, and continue to work, diligently to address any concerns raised by residents regarding their accommodation or site.

“In response to the initial complaint, we provided the SHR with a significant amount of documentary information detailing the comprehensive efforts we have undertaken at both sites to maintain and improve accommodation and facilities, and to engage positively with tenants about their housing and services.

“On receipt of the original SHR report we requested a review, as we disputed a range of the findings. The SHR contacted us again this week to tell us that following their review their original findings will be upheld.

“We are committed to providing all of our tenants with the highest quality housing and services. This is exemplified by the current £6.5m project to replace all chalets at Double Dykes with brand-new energy-efficient accommodation for residents, alongside major improvement works across the site. We successfully secured £3.9m from the Scottish Government’s Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund to support these efforts, with the council contributing the remaining funds. This project will be completed by September 2025 and will provide tenants with high quality, affordable homes and a range of wider benefits to enhance their community.

“A feasibility study is also being taken forward to identify potential future improvements at the site at Bobbin Mill and we will meet tenants soon for their feedback on how we can move forward with this work.

“We remain dedicated to continuous improvement, and we will now develop an enhanced action plan to assure the Regulator and our tenants that we are making progress to address any concerns raised.”