If you have a council tenancy and meet any of the requirements below you can apply to join the Garden Care Scheme. Tenants who are part of this scheme. Tenants who are part of scheme have their garden maintained by the Grounds Maintenance Service on behalf of Housing Services.
Please note, we do not offer our garden care scheme to private owners, private tenants or to tenants of Housing Associations. Should you be accepted to the scheme because you are receiving benefits, proof of said benefit should be shown to your Housing Management Officer on an annual basis, this will be verified by sight of your letter from the DWP.
To join the scheme, you need to meet at least one of these criteria:
- aged 60 or over
- registered as disabled and in receipt of higher rate Disability Living Allowance (both care and mobility components)
- in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (either the enhanced mobility or enhanced daily living components)
- in receipt of the enhanced mobility or care component of Adult Disability Payment.
There must be no other person over 16 and under 60, livingat your address who can cut the grass and hedge on your behalf. If this is the case your application will be denied.
The cost for 2025 was £66 and will increase minimally in 2026. Please be aware that this is an admin fee only and that Housing Services cover the payment to Grounds Maintenance for all the work carried out, this can amount to over £450 per season, per property. So no matter when you apply to join the scheme and the type of work you require, the full admin fee is always a requirement.
Applications to join the scheme should be made through your Housing Management Officer at your Local Service Centre or by calling Fife Council Contact Centre.
Standards of Service
In a normal season, April till October, you can expect:
- grass cut every two weeks, weather permitting. We cut up to 500square meters, for example 25 meters by 20 meters.
- Hedge cut on two occasions, weather permitting.
- Once in June or July
- Once in September or October
- Application of chemical weedkiller, if you request it. Weeds are sprayed but not removed
Those who join the scheme after the date on the acceptance letter will receive fewer cuts, however the admin fee will remain the same. Please be aware that work dates may vary due to staff resources and or the weather.
I`ve received my confirmation letter now what do I do?
Once your application has been accepted you will receive a letter which will give you all the information you need. If you have any queries or require any changes to your application please call the Hosing Advice telephone number, you`ll find this on your confirmation letter. You can also contact your Housing Officer for help with this.
How do I pay?
You can pay using one of the following options:
- Call us on 03451 55 11 55 and select option 9, using the reference number from your letter, or
- Visit your nearest post office or Pay Point outlet and use the barcoded letter, which you will receive confirming you have been accepted onto the scheme.
The above information is from Fife Council, Down Your Street, Tenants Magazine.
Issue 75 – December 2025