Web Newsbite 62 Summer 2026 2

Tenants Magazine

ISSUE 62 SUMMER 2026

IN THIS ISSUE:

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A REFUSE LOADER page 5

WHATS COMING UP THIS SUMMER page 7

STREET TAG page 7

Follow us on Facebook and X for latest updates

Welcome from Jacqui McKenzie Chief Officer for Housing Jacqui McKenzie welcomes you all to the summer edition of Newsbite.

Jacqui said: “I’m delighted to share this summer edition of Newsbite with you.

“Now that the sun is finally making an appearance, it’s a good time to look back on what we’ve achieved together.

Earlier this year, many of us faced tough winter conditions. Your kindness and support—especially to the most vulnerable people in our community— really stood out.”

“Over the past year, we held our annual rent consultation. Your feedback helped us make difficult decisions last December.

We know a rent increase can be worrying.

If you have concerns or need support, please contact your Housing and Support Officer.”

“My continued thanks go to the Communications Group for supporting Newsbite. The group is always looking for new members. If you’re interested in helping to make a difference to your local community and housing service, please get in touch to find out how you can get involved.”

“Let’s embrace the warmer months ahead, and I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Newsbite!”

Hear For You is a service run by SAMH. It offers emotional and practical support for Aberdeen City Council tenants. Whether you need someone to talk to, practical advice, help to access services, or one-to-one wellbeing sessions, we are here for you.

Scan the QR code to submit your self-referral.

We offer two kinds of support: Emotional support: a wellbeing practitioner can help you manage challenges affecting your mental wellbeing, with up to 8 sessions.

Practical support: a link practitioner can help you prioritise what’s going on and help you find the right services and support.

We can support you in person, online (video call), or over the phone—whatever works best for you.

To get support, go to samh.org.uk/hfy If you need help to fill in the form, speak to your Housing Officer, visit a SAMH drop-in session, or email hearforyou@samh.org.uk

2

Changes to your Council Rent Following last year’s Rent Consultation, it was agreed that Council rents would rise by 9.5% from April 2026.

To help spread the cost, rents will also now be paid over 52 weeks instead of 48. If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rent, you can speak to your local Housing and Support Officer by phoning 03000 200 292.

If you get Universal Credit and receive housing costs to help pay your rent, you must tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) your new rent amount. This helps avoid payment delays that can lead to rent arrears.

Please do the following:

1.

Log on to your Universal Credit account.

2.

Select ‘Report a change’ then ‘Where you live and what it costs’.

Complete the information required.

3.

When asked ‘Do you have any rent-free weeks?’, select ‘No’ and continue completing the to-do.

When the new rent amount starts, confirm the change with the DWP by sending a message in your Universal Credit journal or calling 0800 328 5644.

Rent Levels Approved 2026/27 rent levels with 9.5% increase on a 52-week basis.

0 Bedrooms

1 Bedroom

2 Bedrooms

3 Bedrooms

4 Bedrooms

Multi/flat/maisonette

£77.13

£91.95

£99.37

£106.80

£114.21

Four in a block

£84.55

£99.37

£106.79

£114.22

£121.63

Cottage/house

£91.98

£106.80

£114.22

£121.65

£129.06

Approved 2026/27 rent levels with 15% premium for new build with 9.5% increase on a 52-week basis 0 Bedrooms

1 Bedroom

2 Bedrooms

3 Bedrooms

4 Bedrooms

Multi/flat/maisonette

£88.70

£105.75

£114.28

£122.82

£131.34

Four in a block

£97.23

£114.28

£122.81

£131.36

£140.34

Cottage/house

£105.78

£122.82

£131.36

£139.90

£148.42

3

Get involved with Aberdeen City Libraries!

With the summer fast approaching, Aberdeen City Libraries have lots of activities and events for everyone to enjoy. For more information ask at your local library, follow us on social media or visit the website. Below are some highlights!

Looking for something to do with the children during the summer holidays? This year’s Aberdeen Reads Challenge has a crime inspired theme to it! Collect rewards for reading and use the specially designed map to find and visit different locations in the city, solving clues to find the location of a ‘missing’ object! Look out for more information coming out soon.

Local History Corner Did you know Aberdeen once advertised itself as “Scotland’s Leading Resort”? The tagline is used in a promotional leaflet from the 1950s that was created by the Aberdeen Corporation Publicity Department.

Aberdeen is further described as “The Silver City with the Golden Sands”. The black Scottish Terrier, also known as an Aberdeen Terrier, has also served as the mascot of the Granite City. Its golden sands remain an asset for the city and the summer is still a great time to visit Aberdeen Beach.

Visit Aberdeen City Library’s Silver City Vault website to explore more of the history and heritage of Aberdeen: https://www.silvercityvault.org.uk/

Innovation Station – Robots Galore!

Did you know that you can now borrow robotics kits from Aberdeen City Libraries?

The Lord Provost joined us at Central Library on 18 February to officially launch the Innovation Station. The project will enable young people and families interested in coding to borrow robotics kits, for FREE, to try at home.

You can borrow Sphero Indi (4yrs+), Cooper (5yrs), Marty the Robot (5yrs+), LEGO SPIKE Prime (10yrs+) and more from any of our libraries. Kits also include iPads where they are needed to operate the robot, but we also have screenfree robots too! The robots can be borrowed for 2 weeks; one kit per family and for no cost! We’re delighted to share that our Innovation Station logo was designed by a pupil from Riverbank School.

Memories Scotland Memories Scotland sessions bring people together to provide the opportunity for social connection, support 4

wellbeing (especially for those affected by dementia) and boost confidence and self-esteem.

Aberdeen City Libraries run monthly sessions in Central, Cove, Culter and Dyce Libraries and each month has a different theme. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment and we look forward to welcoming you to a Memories Scotland session soon.

Lend & Mend Aberdeen City Libraries offer sewing machines, an overlocker and an embroidery machine, and they are all free to use! Beginners can learn how to set up and use a sewing machine, while anyone with the skills can come in and use our machines.

Fabric and materials are available to practise with, we also have threads, buttons, ribbons, and accessories that might be needed, plus cutting boards and an iron.

Everything you need is in the Media Centre in the Central Library.

Contact Phone: 01224 070707 Facebook: www.facebook.com/Aberdeen.City.Libraries Events: https://aberdeencity.spydus. co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/ EVENTS?HOMEPRMS=EVSESPARAMS Find a Library: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ council-services/communities-and-lifelong-learning/jointhe-library/local-area/libraries/

A Day in the Life of a Refuse Loader One of Aberdeen City Council’s Refuse Loaders gave us an insight into their daily work.

My day starts early, when I arrive at the office at 6:50am at Altens to sign in and find out what lorry I’m on, before leaving to the area I’m assigned to that day at 7am. I help in 10 areas across Aberdeen, so it’s always a busy day!

7-9am: I work away with the driver and other Refuse Loader to collect all black general waste wheelie bins from a particular area. We also collect any assisted collections – someone could need this because they are elderly or disabled and need an extra hand.

9:15am: We stop for an essential morning break at local shops – ideally somewhere with a toilet!

9:15am-12pm: We get back to work and continue in the same area. Some days we need to tip the lorry twice depending on weight and space for finishing the run, so we will go to the tip during this time to empty the lorry or manage until we’ve finished the collections. During this time, I also assist members of the public with any questions or if they need any help!

12pm: It’s finally lunchtime! After a quick bite, we head back out to finish the area. Once we’re done, we go into other crews and help out where needed.

1:45-2:30pm: We head to NESS Energy from Waste in Tullos to empty the lorry, before heading back to the yard and finishing up at 2:30pm.

Occasionally, I might work overtime if collections aren’t complete.

Just an average day working as a Refuse Loader!

SAFER STROLLING IN SEATON Tenants in Seaview House Sheltered Housing may have noticed some improvements recently outside the building.

The work follows helpful feedback from a local resident (and member of the Aberdeen Tenants and Residents Partnership) who highlighted concerns about the condition of the pavements around Seaview House.

In December 2025, resurfacing work got underway and was completed within a week.

We’re pleased the improvements are now in place and hope tenants at Seaview House are enjoying the safer, smoother walkways.

To find out more about the Aberdeen Tenants and Residents Partnership, please visit their website: www.aberdeentenantsresidents.org.uk or follow them on Facebook @AberdeenTenantsResidents 5

Make a change by getting involved with tenant participation!

Are you interested in getting involved with tenant participation? Betty shares her experiences!

I moved into my building during the 1970s and first joined a Tenant Group in the 1980s. Since joining, I have been a member of many groups, including the Tenant Review Group, City Wide Multi-Storey Group and the Communications and Events Group.

One of my proudest achievements throughout the years has been the improvements I helped bring to my own building, including an upgrade on the Children’s Play Area and a kitchen installed in the Common Room.

I also became the first tenant to receive the National Excellence Award Lifetime Achievement in Housing Community Development and Engagement Practice in 2024, an achievement I am most proud of. Being involved in Tenant Participation has led to me travelling throughout Scotland and working alongside like-minded individuals to help make a positive difference to Aberdeen’s housing service. I would encourage everyone to find out how they could get involved!

For more information on tenant participation, visit: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/tenantparticipation or email TenantParticipation@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Our new website is now live!

Aberdeen City Council has launched a new website to make it easier to find the information and services you need.

The site is simpler to use, works well on phones and tablets, and has better accessibility features so more people can use it comfortably. It also has stronger security to help keep your information safe.

You now have the option to search for information around life events, like moving home, starting a family, or helping children begin school—so you can go straight to what matters to you.

We’ve also improved our chatbot, AB-1.

It can answer common questions (such as bin collections) and can pass you to a Customer Care Officer if you need more help, without you having to repeat information.

If you contact us by phone during busy periods, you may have to wait longer. If you would rather not wait on the line, you can choose a callback and we will return your call as soon as possible.

6

The new website is just the beginning. We’re building stronger, more secure digital services, including plans for a single sign-on feature that will let you access multiple council services with one login.

As we continue to develop future phases, your feedback matters. Tell us what’s working well and where we can improve, so we can build a website that truly meets the needs of our communities.

Take a look around, try out the new features, and share your thoughts – https:// accwebsitefeedback. commonplace.is/ So, whether you’re renewing your tenancy, seeking support, or simply exploring what’s on in Aberdeen, our digital front door is open and ready for you.

Get excited for summer with City Events!

EEN RD

* GA

ME

GHLAN HI D

The Aberdeen Highland Games is back again this year at Hazlehead Park on Sunday 21 June!

Come along and enjoy a range of Highland Games events, quality local trade and charity stalls, stage entertainment from professional performers and community groups, and fun activities that all ages can enjoy!

Tickets are on sale now, or you can buy them on the day!

Don’t miss out on the fun! Visit: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/highlandgames

ABE

21 JUNE 2026

S &

Get active and win with Street Tag! Street Tag has launched in Aberdeen! This is a fun mobile app that turns everyday movement into rewards. Whether you’re walking, cycling, running or rolling, you and your team can earn points by simply being active.

Virtual tags can be found across Aberdeen, in parks, near shops, at community hubs, and everywhere in between, turning your local area into a fun interactive map.

Teams of up to 6 people can join forces, whether that is families, friends, those on the school-run, carers, teens, older adults or those with disabilities.

With each virtual tag you and your team collect, you’ll be able to climb the live leaderboard and be in with the chance of winning exciting prizes! You can even add tags to your favourite routes and watch your points grow each time you step out!

Download the Street Tag app via the App Store or Google Play and join the fun: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/streettag

Festival of the Sea returns for its third year from 11 to 26 July!

The Festival brings together culture, creativity and community, inviting families and local residents to explore, discover and enjoy Aberdeen from a sea inspired perspective.

During the two-week event, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of activities across Aberdeen, including creative and cultural walks, talks and storytelling, workshops, performances and hands-on experiences!

Find out more today at: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/festivalofthesea

7

What’s On at Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums

Enjoy family fun at the Art Gallery Play, explore and create together! Discover events and activities for our youngest visitors and their grown-ups.

Visit aagm.co.uk to find out what’s on and to plan your visit or scan the QR code for full details of what’s on for families. https://sites.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeenart-galleries-and-museums/search?type=858

Explore and play ⊲ 10 Things To Do trail – pick up a trail and discover surprises around the gallery ⊲ Playful Spaces trail – let curiosity lead the way ⊲ Meet the Craiturs – find the clan of curious clay creatures hiding in the galleries ⊲ Explorer trail – continue your adventure at the Maritime Museum and Provost Skene’s House.

Making Waves: Amazing Machines 16 May–25 October 2026 Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen £10.50 / £7.50 Friends and concessions / children 12 and under go free / £15 exhibition pass For visiting information and to book tickets visit: https://sites.aberdeencity.gov. uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeen-artgalleries-and-museums/makingwaves-amazing-machines Push buttons, turn cranks and let your imagination run wild as you explore the captivating art of contemporary automata in our joyful summer exhibition. Combining mechanics, engineering and art, these whimsical mechanical sculptures often reflect or humorously comment on our modern world. From a Kissing couple and a Wiggling figure, to Sheep shearing and How to swim, you are sure to be delighted and entertained by them.

8

Get hands on in the galleries ⊲ Gallery 6: Feasting – get creative in the play café ⊲ Gallery 7: Exploring Art – draw, look and investigate ⊲ Gallery 18: People and Portraits – dress up and step into the picture.

Enjoy events for early years ⊲ Baby Boogie – daytime disco with DJ Nina (under 5s) ⊲ Guthrie’s Goslings – music, movement, crafts and games (ages 2–5) ⊲ Loose Parts Play – free, drop-in creative play (ages 2–5).

Take part in holiday workshops Make the most of our family-friendly facilities ⊲ ⊲ ⊲ ⊲

Baby changing and Changing Places toilet Café Sensory bags available from the Welcome Desk Free Family Fun sessions run during school holidays.

Feel good, get involved!

Our wellbeing programmes for adults at the Art Gallery and Treasure Hub provide relaxed and welcoming opportunities to connect with others and enjoy time together. Each session provides opportunities to make, sing or explore the art and history across our venues. These activities are pay what you can. Please consider making a donation to support events for everyone.

Meet & Make Art Gallery – Fridays (monthly) 11:00–12:30 (check www.aagm.co.uk for details) A relaxed and sociable hands-on workshop for adults, led by an artist. Everyone is welcome.

Supported by the Friends of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums.

Artroom with Grampian Hospital Art Trust Art Gallery, Saturdays 10:30–12:30 Explore creativity and experimentation in a calm and welcoming space, led by artists who will support you to try a range of materials and techniques.

No experience needed. Everyone is welcome.

Our Aberdeen Thursdays (fortnightly, not Jul & Aug), 14:00–15:30 Treasure Hub, Granitehill Road, AB16 7AZ (check www.aagm.co.uk for dates and themes)

“Saturday morning art sessions have shone a light in my life.”

Artroom participant

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at our museum store and a explore a different theme in these relaxed sessions looking at Aberdeen’s heritage. Tea, coffee and biscuits included.

Musical Memories Art Gallery - Cowdray Hall, Fridays (fortnightly) 13:00–15:00 (check www.aagm.co.uk for dates) A welcoming singing group for people with dementia, their partners, families and friends.

Led by volunteers, these sessions encourage participation and shared enjoyment.

9

Choice Based Lettings Choice Based Lettings launched in June 2023 for general needs properties (not sheltered or amenity housing). Each week you can view available properties, including photos and key information, and choose which homes you want to be considered for.

Properties are advertised each Tuesday from 12pm, with new homes added until Thursday at 5pm.

You can register your interest until Monday evening.

You can place up to 10 bids each week, and you can add or remove bids during the cycle. After the cycle closes, you cannot change your bids.

Please note that it doesn’t matter when you place your bid as properties are allocated based on the details of your application, and not on a first-come first-served basis.

Low Cost Home Ownership Aberdeen City Council has a scheme called Low Cost Home Ownership. This scheme helps people who want to buy a home but cannot afford the full price on the open market.

How the scheme works ⊲ Homes are sold at a lower price than normal. ⊲ When you buy one of these homes, you own it, but the Council keeps a small share, called an equity share.

Where to find the homes

At the end of each weekly cycle, everyone who registered interest in a property is shortlisted based on their priority. You can also see your position on the shortlist for the properties you bid on, and whether those properties are still available.

Since its launch, more than 4,000 properties have been let through Choice Based Lettings. More than 9,000 applicants have registered, placing over 379,000 bids.

We know some residents have found Choice Based Lettings difficult to use. We are updating our website information and improving staff guidance so we can support you better. If you need help to register or place bids, please contact us below.

Are you registered for Housing Online?

Low Cost Homes are advertised on the Council’s website.

If you see a home you like, you can fill in the application form to tell the Low Cost Homes team that you are interested.

Register today for Housing Online and keep all your details up to date. By supplying your email address, you can also receive monthly emails from us, including information on service updates, events and consultations!

Need help?

Make sure you’re registered today by visiting: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/housingonline

If you have any questions, you can email the team at: Email: lowcosthomes@aberdeencity.gov.uk

More information You can find a list of homes for sale and answers to common questions on the Council website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/lowcosthomes

10

Know what support you could be entitled to Make sure you know what support you can get to help with household bills. You may be able to get extra financial help.

Cheaper mobile and broadband (Social Tariffs) If you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you may be eligible for social tariffs. These are reduced-price mobile phone and broadband packages offered by major providers including BT, Virgin Media, EE, O2, Vodafone, Sky and others. Social tariffs are designed to be cheaper than standard deals. As a guide, typical costs are:

⊲ Broadband social tariffs: usually around £12–£20 per month (standard broadband packages are often £25–£40+ per month) ⊲ Mobile phone social tariffs: usually around £10–£15 per month (standard mobile contracts are often £20–£30+ per month) Social tariffs:

⊲ Are significantly cheaper than standard mobile and broadband deals ⊲ Do not affect your credit score ⊲ Can often be applied even if you are already with the same provider ⊲ Usually have no exit fees and run on a rolling monthly basis If you already have a mobile or broadband contract, it is worth contacting your provider directly and asking if you can switch to their social tariff because you are on benefits.

Check you are getting the right benefits Making sure you receive the correct benefits can help with rent, bills and everyday living costs. To help with this, there is an online benefit calculator specifically for people in Scotland.

Online Benefit Calculator This tool can help you:

⊲ Check what benefits and support you may be entitled to ⊲ See if your circumstances mean you could receive additional help ⊲ Make sure you are not missing out on financial support Access the Online Benefit Calculator here: https://aberdeencity.entitledto.co.uk/home/start Checking your benefit entitlement and switching to cheaper tariffs can help ease financial pressure and support you to sustain your tenancy.

Thank you to our cleaners!

Cleaning staff in residential buildings across Aberdeen are being given a big ‘thank you’ for their hard work!

Not only do they do a fantastic job cleaning each building, but many have a fantastic relationship with the tenants who live there. The cleaning staff are in the buildings and are visible at all times and can notice things which could be out of the ordinary for people, offering help or support where necessary. Thank you!

11

Help & Support Help and support is available to anyone concerned about the rising cost of living via our dedicated website:

HELP WITH THE COST OF LIVING www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/moneyadvice

TIMES AND PLACES TO COLLECT EMERGENCY FOOD www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/freefood

WARM SPACES www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/people-and-communities/warm-spaces

FREE PERIOD PRODUCTS www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/freeperiodproducts

Customer Service, Repairs, Housing and Support Officers Please telephone the Customer Contact Centre. Telephone: 03000 200 292 This document is available in various formats and languages Please call 01224 522839.

HOUSING ONLINE PORTAL We have updated and improved our existing Housing Online Portal allowing you to manage many aspects of your tenancy online at a time that suits you. www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ services/housing/housing-online

12