The Highland Council operates a scheme to assist Council tenants with their gardens.
To be eligible for this scheme, tenants must confirm the following:
- that they are over 60 years of age or in receipt of Disabled Living Allowance
- that they are in receipt of Housing Benefit
- that there is no able-bodied person living as part of the household or nearby who can carry out the work
Applicants must meet all three criteria to be eligible for the scheme.
To apply for the scheme, you can download and complete the Garden Aid Application Form and return it to your nearest Service Point. Alternatively you can contact the Service Centre on 01349 886602 or your local Service Point to ask for a form.
Further Information for Tenants
The Highland Council Garden Aid Scheme has been set up to assist elderly and infirm tenants keep their gardens tidy in accordance with their Tenancy Agreement. Eligible tenants will have their grass cut by the Council’s contractors up to 12 times during the growing season, from April to October.
The first grass cut is generally in April, with two cuts per month in May, June, July, August and September. A final cut in October may be arranged if the grass is still growing.
The Council’s contractors’ working hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
What is the standard of grass cutting?
The full area of grass in any garden will be mowed using a cylinder or rotary mower up to any paving, fencing or other boundary. The height of cut will vary to suit the garden, but not be so low as to damage the existing grass or surfaces. The aim is to keep the grass growth under control, rather than to provide a lawn mowing service. Sloping areas may be strimmed where the use of a mower would be unsafe for the operative. If the grass is very long at the first cut in April, the contractors may use a strimmer rather than a mower for this cut.
Will the grass clippings be picked up by the contractor?
The contractor will remove all grass clippings from your garden for disposal.
What if there is there is rubbish in my garden?
Before cutting any area, the contractor will collect and remove any litter, stones or any other debris to ensure the health & safety of his operatives and the general public.
If the Contractor thinks that the grass is unsuitable for cutting, because of dog mess or excessive litter for example, the Contractor will inform you and the Council of this so that the problem can be resolved and the grass cut during the next visit.
What if I’m not happy with the service provided by the Council’s contractor?
You should ring the Highland Council Service Centre on 01349 886602 or contact your local Service Point with your complaint. The Council will inspect the work and if it is unsatisfactory, the Contractor will be instructed to resolve the problem.