Three key housing reports will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of Falkirk Council’s Executive on 10 October that will focus on the progress in delivering housing priorities for the area.
These reports will cover the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028, the Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2025-30, and the Housing Annual Assurance Report for 2024.
Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 - year one update
Falkirk Council’s Local Housing Strategy (LHS) 2023-2028 was approved in October 2023 and aims to address local housing challenges.
Over the past year, 210 affordable homes have been delivered. These homes include 132 brand new homes, 74 homes through the Buy-Back Scheme, and 4 homes purchased by people through the Open Shared Market Scheme, which helps people afford to buy their own home.
Despite challenges like reduced grant and increased costs, the Council has made progress in areas such as sustainable housing and carbon emissions reduction.
Currently, 95.8% of Council properties meet the Energy Efficiency Standard for Scottish Social Housing (EESSH).
A new Empty Homes Plan is also expected to be approved outlining ways to bring empty homes back into use.
Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP)
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) report reviews progress in 2023-2024, during which £13.6 million was spent on affordable housing projects.
The SHIP 2025-2030 outlines plans to help meet local housing needs, aided by an anticipated £9.5 million income from Scottish Government grant in 2025-2026.
The Council will continue working with its housing partners to deliver a range of housing options for the community.
Housing Annual Assurance Report
The Housing Annual Assurance Report details the Council’s compliance with Scottish Housing Regulator standards. Good progress has been made and while some areas still require improvement, the Council has strategies in place to return to full compliance by 2025.
Results from the 2024 Tenant Satisfaction Survey show satisfaction rates have increased since the previous survey and also exceed the national average on many indicators.
- 93.4% overall satisfaction with the housing service (up from 75.3% in 2021)
- 96.4% satisfaction with the quality of homes (up from 77%)
- 96.9% believe rent offers good value for money (up from 76.6%)
These results will inform the Tenant and Customer Participation Strategy 2025-2028.
Kenny Gillespie, Head of Housing and Communities, noted that progress has been made despite financial and logistical challenges. He said:
“The Council continues to work on providing affordable, quality housing. We look forward to presenting the report to elected members at the meeting of the Executive.”