Dundee to revamp empty homes strategy and housing investment plan.

In a bid to protect and enhance public housing in Dundee, a series of significant policy documents are up for discussion among councillors. Updated versions of Dundee City Council’s empty homes strategy, five-year strategic investment plan, and the annual review of rents are set to be tabled next week.

Mark Flynn, convener of the neighbourhood regeneration, housing, and estate management committee, emphasised the importance of ensuring a good supply of warm, energy-efficient homes to create strong communities. He highlighted the need for detailed and realistic documents to outline the actions necessary to tackle poverty and empower residents.

Lynne Short, the committee’s deputy convener, added that the frameworks provided by these policies are essential for tracking progress towards achieving the city’s goals over time.

The newly revised 22-page empty homes strategy aims to utilise the 1,067 unoccupied houses in the city to address the housing crisis. With 1,430 new homeless applications made to Dundee City Council in 2022/2023, the strategy seeks to bring more empty homes back into use to meet the growing demand.

According to the latest data from the Scottish Government, nearly 75% of long-term empty properties in Dundee are privately owned. The strategy takes into consideration the impact of empty homes on neighbourhoods, communities, and residents.

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2025-2030 outlines Dundee’s affordable housing priorities for the next five years. With plans to complete 286 new build social homes by spring 2027 and over 500 more in the pipeline, the council aims to meet the demand for affordable housing in the city.

The SHIP also focuses on integrating energy-efficient measures and accessibility features into new build properties to reduce carbon emissions, address fuel poverty, and provide suitable housing for adults with disabilities.

As part of the proposed discussions, council house tenants may face annual rent increases ranging from £3.92 to £4.36 per week. The potential rent hikes, ranging between 4.5% and 5%, will be subject to a two-month consultation period to gather tenants’ views before final decisions are made in January.

Cllr Flynn highlighted the importance of providing tenants with a choice between maintaining current service standards and investing in areas that residents have indicated as priorities, such as anti-social behaviour prevention.

The council plans to engage with tenants through face-to-face meetings, social media, and collaboration with tenant associations to ensure their voices are heard. Information about support services available to those affected by the cost-of-living crisis will also be provided.

The neighbourhood resources, housing, and estate management committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 28 to discuss these critical housing policies that will shape the future of public housing in Dundee.

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