Energy efficient homes delivered across area
Published: Monday 8 November 2021
More than 1300 affordable homes have been added in South Lanarkshire – and more houses than ever are meeting “green” standards.
The progress on both important fronts was outlined in a report that also noted that South Lanarkshire Council had been able to dramatically reduce the impact of homelessness, despite the pressures across society caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Josh Wilson, the council’s Housing and Technical Resources chair, said: “We believe everyone has the right to somewhere decent to live, which is why we have put so much focus on our house-building programme and our Local Housing Strategy (LHS).
“Through this, we have seen a total of 339 additional affordable homes for social rent delivered in 2020/21, taking the total to 1,339 across the four years of the current LHS. Almost 94% of council homes also meet the initial phase of national energy efficiency standards for social housing – and we are working hard to increase that proportion even further.”
The LHS report was presented to the council’s Executive Committee, at which Councillor Wilson said he was proud that the council’s work had also helped reduced the number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation for more than 12 months by 41% since 2019/20.
He added: “The pandemic has been a tough time for everyone, but the LHS report highlights some of the ways we have overcome some of the challenges. Hard work and staff initiative has meant we have continued to provide a great standard of service to those who need it.”
The LHS update also noted that the council had administered more than £17 million in grants through the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme. This has funded 5,946 improvements to properties including the installation of internal and external insulation.
It also outlined continuing areas of work, including the council and partners delivering 230 new social rented properties through the Whitlawburn Regeneration Masterplan, which is due for completion in 2022/2023.
Progress will continue to be delivered throughout 2021/22 in the final year of the current LHS, and a new strategy will be developed for the next five year period, from 2022/23.
28 March 2024
Everyone urged to have their say on improving energy efficiency
28 March 2024
Changes to waste accepted at smaller sites
28 March 2024
Wish List helps climate charity
27 March 2024
Community fund cash boost for youth club
27 March 2024
Council calls for Gaza ceasefire
27 March 2024
Appeal to government over future of care home provision
26 March 2024
Community corner to continue
26 March 2024
Scottish football legend’s statue restored
25 March 2024
Pupils given £400 World Book Day boost
25 March 2024
Recycled rags transformed into rugs for children and pets