Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? West Dunbartonshire Unveils Urgent Housing Plan.
The latest housing emergency action plan for West Dunbartonshire outlines a series of measures to address the pressing housing crisis in the region. The plan was officially declared by West Dunbartonshire Council’s convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, in May, with the Scottish Government following suit just two weeks later.
Establishing a project board led by the chief officer of housing and employability, supported by senior council officers, signifies a significant step towards addressing the housing emergency. This board will convene monthly to review the progress of the Housing Emergency Action Plan, with regular updates provided to the Housing and Communities committee.
The action plan encompasses four key themes: the delivery and maintenance of homes; optimizing existing housing stock; improving housing access and preventing homelessness; and enhancing the financial sustainability of current housing budgets.
Concrete actions derived from these themes include ongoing advocacy efforts by the convener of Housing and Communities to secure increased Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding from the Scottish Government. Internally, the council aims to expand the buy-back scheme and explore external funding opportunities to boost the construction of new homes.
Efforts will also be made to streamline the council’s approach to managing empty homes, reducing void periods and re-letting vacant properties. Collaboration with external partners will be prioritised to address delays related to energy suppliers, while homelessness prevention remains a key focus.
Furthermore, a thorough review of the council’s budgets and funding mechanisms will be conducted to ensure the successful execution of an ambitious housing plan.
Notably, the draft Housing Emergency Declaration Action Plan has undergone consultation with various stakeholders, including the West Dunbartonshire Tenants and Residents Organisation, receiving positive feedback.
Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal remarked, “Declaring a housing emergency was a crucial acknowledgment of the challenges facing West Dunbartonshire. It is imperative for us to work collectively to address the housing demand and optimise our resources effectively.”
Similarly, Vice convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Hazel Sorrell, expressed her satisfaction with the plan’s endorsement by the West Dunbartonshire Tenants and Residents Organisation, highlighting the importance of scrutinising processes to maximise budget efficiency and housing stock utilization.
In conclusion, the Housing Emergency Action Plan for West Dunbartonshire signifies a proactive approach towards mitigating the housing crisis, underscoring the necessity for collaboration and innovation to create a better future for all residents.
