Fife Council buying new homes in High Valleyfield for families

Fife Council’s Cabinet Committee has recently approved the purchase of four brand new family homes in High Valleyfield, a move aimed at addressing the increasing demand for larger rental houses in the West Fife area. These three-bedroom properties, located in a single terraced block in Catherines Wynd, are situated in a high-demand area and are expected to help alleviate the waiting list for families in need of spacious accommodation.

Speaking on behalf of the council’s housing department, Councillor Judy Hamilton highlighted the ongoing pressure faced by housing services despite the significant social house-building efforts that have been made in recent years. With over 7400 houses built since 2012, Fife Council remains committed to working closely with private sector landowners, land agents, and developers to address the housing needs of its residents.

Hamilton stated, “It is crucial that we continue to explore opportunities to acquire additional properties to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. By engaging with various stakeholders and utilising existing council-owned land and buildings, we can ensure that families in need receive the support they require.”

The decision to purchase these new homes comes at a time when Fife Council has declared a housing emergency, emphasising the challenges posed by reduced funding from the Scottish Government towards the Affordable Housing Programme. The council, in collaboration with the Fife Housing Association Alliance, has raised concerns about the potential impact of these funding cuts on the overall supply of affordable housing in the region.

With no immediate plans for council housing developments in High Valleyfield in the coming years, the acquisition of these high-quality homes is seen as a cost-effective solution to address the housing needs of the local community. By adding these properties to the Affordable Housing Programme, Fife Council aims to ensure that waiting families can be allocated suitable accommodation in a timely manner.