Perth and Kinross Council Invests £53 Million in Former Council Housing
By the end of March 2025, Perth and Kinross Council will have spent approximately £53 million since 2012 repurchasing former council homes. This initiative aims to meet the rising demand for social housing, with the council doubling its target over the past year by acquiring around 100 properties.
The Buy Back programme, aimed at making former council homes available for social rent, has proven to be a successful strategy for the council. The Right to Buy scheme, introduced by the Conservative UK Government in 1980 under Margaret Thatcher’s leadership, allowed council tenants to purchase their homes. However, with nearly half a million council and housing association homes sold in Scotland under this scheme until it ceased in 2016, the need for social housing has increased.
During a recent update to the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee, the council’s Housing chief highlighted the success of the Buy Back programme. Conservative councillor Angus Forbes praised the council’s efforts in expanding its housing stock, particularly through the Buy Back scheme, which has outperformed new builds due to quicker turnaround times.
The council’s strategic financial plan revealed that by March 31, 2025, Perth and Kinross Council will have repurchased 433 houses at a cost of around £53 million, including upgrades to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. The report also mentioned that the council had supported 753 households in finding suitable accommodation by expanding its housing stock through buy backs and other opportunities.
In addition to the Buy Back Scheme, Perth and Kinross Council has allocated £20 million in funding for buy backs over the next five years, with additional support from the Scottish Government’s Housing Allocation Grant. The council continues to focus on increasing its housing stock through various initiatives, including new builds and conversions of commercial properties into flats for social rent.
Overall, the investment in repurchasing former council housing demonstrates Perth and Kinross Council’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of its residents and providing affordable housing solutions in the region. Through strategic planning and financial support, the council is working towards ensuring a sustainable and inclusive housing market for all members of the community.