New Affordable Housing Plans for Perth & Kinross

Perth & Kinross Council is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to provide over 1,000 new affordable homes throughout the area within the next five years. This ambitious plan is set to be considered by Councillors and aims to address the growing demand for housing in the region.

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2025/26 – 2029/30 outlines the investment priorities of the council and its local Housing Association partners for affordable housing in the upcoming years. This plan has been formulated after extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including Registered Social Landlords, the Health and Social Care Partnership, tenants, housing developers, and the council’s Housing, Planning, and Economic Development teams.

Since 2016/17, the council and its partners have successfully delivered nearly 2,000 affordable homes in Perth and Kinross, surpassing their target of 210 homes per year. The projection for 2024/25 includes an additional 223 affordable homes, with an average of 230 new affordable homes to be built annually over the next five years.

An updated report on the SHIP, to be reviewed by the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee, estimates that the council and its housing partners could potentially deliver an additional 1,152 new affordable homes between 2025/26 to 2029/30. This commendable feat will be made possible through a combination of Scottish Government subsidies and local investments.

The housing projects will involve a mix of strategies, including council new build projects, refurbishing older homes, repurposing empty properties as housing, repurchasing ex-council homes, renovating existing buildings for residential use, and acquiring pre-built homes from developers.

All new homes will be constructed to the highest standards, with energy-efficient features to help meet local and national climate change targets. The homes will cater to individuals with specific needs, enabling them to live independently and contentedly within the community. Additionally, the homes will be strategically located in areas of high demand, including rural regions, to provide people with suitable housing options for both their present and future requirements.

Councillor Tom McEwan, the Housing and Social Wellbeing convener, emphasised the importance of high-quality affordable homes in enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. He highlighted the positive impact of affordable housing on various social issues such as health, employment opportunities, and poverty, illustrating why it remains a top priority for the council.

Expressing optimism for the future, Councillor McEwan noted the significant progress made in Perth and Kinross over the past five years in exceeding affordable housing targets. He credited the strong partnership between the council and housing providers as a key factor contributing to this success.

The updated SHIP for the next five years reflects the council’s ongoing ambitious goals. This plan is aligned with the objectives outlined in the Local Housing Strategy and supports the Scottish Government’s ‘Housing to 2040’ agenda, which advocates for safe, energy-efficient, affordable homes that meet the needs of residents.

Members of the Committee will soon deliberate on the updated SHIP and its submission to the Scottish Government, marking a crucial step towards realising the vision of accessible, sustainable, and affordable housing for all residents of Perth and Kinross.