North Lanarkshire Council has been commended for its progress in providing new homes for tenants, according to a recent report. The report, which hailed the past year as one of the most successful nationally, noted that the council had delivered 335 new build homes across 11 sites, surpassing its target. As of October 2024, the total number of new homes provided by the council stood at 1,526, contributing towards its goal of reaching 5,000 new homes by 2035.
In addition to exceeding its targets, North Lanarkshire Council was also recognised with award nominations. The council’s New Supply Team was the recipient of the Best Development Team (Urban) award at the Inside Housing Awards. With an investment of over £55 million in new homes and the purchase of 126 additional homes on the open market, the council is actively expanding its housing stock.
Through a combination of open market purchases and the acquisition of empty homes, the council has added over 800 properties to its housing portfolio, with an average cost of £112,000 per property for purchase and repair. Collaborating with developers, North Lanarkshire Council secured 82 properties through its Developer Pathfinder initiative in the past year.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including a decrease in Scottish Government grants which resulted in an £8 million reduction in the council’s allocation. The rising costs of new housing, influenced by evolving energy efficiency standards and the conversion of historic buildings for housing purposes, pose additional challenges for the council. Forecasted cost increases over the next five years further compound these challenges.
North Lanarkshire Council continues to focus on redeveloping former industrial brownfield sites for housing, although this endeavour can be hindered by factors such as land contamination and historical mine workings. Remedial work on such sites can be costly, particularly for smaller developments that may not be financially feasible.
The report was presented to the council’s housing committee, which approved target figures up to 2035 and acknowledged the need for a review to explore avenues for expanding the housing programme, such as mid-market rent options.
In summary, the progress made by North Lanarkshire Council in providing new homes for tenants is commendable, with the council exceeding its targets and receiving recognition for its efforts. Despite facing challenges such as decreasing government grants and rising housing costs, the council remains dedicated to expanding its housing stock and revitalising communities. Continued collaboration with developers and innovative solutions will be key to achieving its long-term housing goals.