Falkirk Council halts tenant repairs to help homeless families.

Falkirk Council has made a significant announcement regarding tenant repairs, prioritising 350 homes for homeless families in the area. The council has decided to temporarily halt non-emergency repairs for tenants, a move expected to last for approximately three months from Monday 14 October.

The rationale behind this decision is to allocate more time and resources towards preparing vacant council properties to a livable standard. By doing so, the council aims to reduce homelessness in the region and facilitate quicker transitions for families into permanent housing, consequently easing the strain on housing waiting lists.

During this suspension period, repairs necessitating specific trades such as joiners, plumbers, electricians, and plasterers will not be carried out. Conversely, emergency repairs and those requiring slaters, bricklayers, painters, glaziers, and gas engineers for safety-related work will be attended to as usual.

This temporary pause on non-emergency repairs is part of Falkirk Council’s broader strategy to tackle the escalating homelessness crisis. Kenny Gillespie, the head of housing and communities at Falkirk Council, emphasised the importance of prioritising reducing homelessness during this period.

While the temporary changes may lead to some inconveniences for tenants awaiting non-emergency repairs, the council urges cooperation and patience. The ultimate goal is to bring around 350 vacant properties back into circulation over the three-month period, reducing the reliance on temporary accommodations like Bed & Breakfasts and expediting the process for families in unsuitable housing.

Emergency repairs that will continue to be addressed promptly include issues like lack of heating or hot water, electrical faults, floods, conditions posing a risk of injury or property damage, and essential repairs for safety measures.

In case of emergency repair needs, tenants can reach out to the council at 01324 506070 for immediate assistance. Falkirk Council assures that it will closely monitor the situation throughout the suspension period and keep tenants informed of any updates regarding the resumption of non-emergency repairs.

Overall, this strategic shift in repair priorities underscores the council’s commitment to alleviating homelessness and ensuring that more families can access stable, permanent housing in a timely manner.