Councillors have heard that, despite various challenges, almost 150 affordable homes have been delivered in the Scottish Borders in 2022/23, along with £1.8m of investment into energy efficiency.
Our Executive Committee received an update at its meeting today (13 June) on the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy covering the period from 2017 and also the Strategic Housing Investment Plan.
Over 1,000 homes in six years
Supported by funding of over £93m from the Scottish Government, our own funding and investment by registered social landlords a total of 1,046 affordable homes have been provided over the past six years.
The draft Local Housing Strategy for 2023-28, which is currently subject of ongoing consultation, has identified the potential to deliver a further 1,320 affordable homes.
Tackling empty homes
In April 2021 the Committee agreed to part fund a full time, dedicated empty homes officers for two years. This role supports owners and purchasers and co-ordinates cross-working with other services and partners to tackle empty properties, which helps contribute to town centre regeneration and meeting local housing need. Thirty six empty homes were brought back into use in 2022/23 as a result. We recently agreed to make this position permanent.
Have your say on new strategy
The Local Housing Strategy provides direction for tackling housing issues across the Borders and informs investment into housing and related services. It also helps support action and attract funding from the Scottish Government.
The draft strategy for 2023-28 addresses a number of key priorities, including fuel poverty, climate change, house condition and homelessness, as well as the joint and strategic approach of the Council and partners to delivering high quality housing to meet identified local need.
More information on the draft Local Housing Strategy and a link to the consultation, which is open until 21 July, can be found on our website.
Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Communities and Equalities
“The progress in providing affordable homes to support our residents, communities and employers over the past six years has been remarkable considering the challenges experienced and I want to pay tribute to all those who have made it possible.
“The investment into energy efficiency measures, which have reduced fuel bills and carbon emissions, and the activity to help bring empty homes back into use are also well worth celebrating and give us a strong position to build upon with the next Local Housing Strategy.”