Pictured: Focus is on bringing 350 homes properties back into use.

The decision was made to focus more time and resources on preparing around 350 vacant council properties to a liveable standard. By doing this, it is hoped to reduce the number of homeless people in the area and help more families move into permanent homes faster.

This will also reduce the waiting lists for those seeking accommodation, including families with children.

The suspension will impact repairs that require certain trades, including joiners, plumbers, electricians, and plasterers.

Non-emergency repairs that involve these trades will not be carried out during this time. However, emergency repairs and repairs requiring slaters, bricklayers, painters, glaziers, and gas engineers for important safety work will continue as normal.

The pause on non-emergency repairs is part of Falkirk Council's broader plan to address the growing homelessness crisis.

Kenny Gillespie, Head of Housing and Communities said: "This is part of a plan to deal with the increasing number of people who find themselves without a home. By focusing on vacant properties, we can help those in temporary or unsuitable accommodation, including families with children, move into permanent housing more quickly.

"While these changes are in place, tenants won’t be able to request non-emergency repairs that need a joiner, plumber, electrician, or plasterer unless it’s an emergency. We know that this may be frustrating, but reducing homelessness has to be our priority right now, and we appreciate tenants’ cooperation and patience during this time."

Impact on Homelessness

By concentrating on preparing empty council homes, the council expects to bring around 350 properties back into use during this three-month period.

This will not only reduce the number of people living in temporary accommodations, such as Bed & Breakfasts, but will also shorten the time families spend in unsuitable housing.

The increased availability of homes will help more people move into permanent, stable accommodation, easing the pressure on the housing waiting list.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair?

Emergency repairs are issues that need to be fixed immediately because they could harm people or cause serious damage to the property. These include:

• No heating or hot water
• No electricity or lights
• Flooding or significant water leaks
• Any conditions that could cause injury or major damage to the home
• Essential repairs like fixing heating systems or changing locks

If there is a need for an emergency repair, the Council can be contacted on 01324 506070, and a team will be dispatched to assist.

Falkirk Council will be closely monitoring the situation throughout the three-month period and further updates will be provided in due course. Tenants will be informed of when non-emergency repairs will resume.