A total of £253 million will be invested over the next five years with £182m spent on improving the quality and standards of our existing homes including new kitchens, bathrooms and energy efficiency improvements such as new heating systems and windows and doors. Around £71m will be invested to increase the supply of affordable housing across the area.

This significant investment will deliver an additional 258 new build council homes in the next four years and includes 137 new homes at the old Denny high school and a further 10 in Grangemouth.

The first phase of the Woodend Farm development is now complete with 32 new homes allocated and a further 79 will be available before the end of the year.  

In addition, the council will purchase around 45 ex-local authority homes through the Buy Back Scheme each year.

Council rents will increase by 9.5% from 1 April for its 16,500 tenants (or an average of £7.47 per week) with an average weekly rent of £86.14. More than half of all tenants (9,045) on the lowest incomes will be fully protected from any increase due to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit protection.

In October 2024, tenants were asked their views on two options for their preferred rent increase. Over 63% opted for a 9.5% increase in 2025/26 with a 9% and 7% increase in the following two years.

Data from 2023/24 shows Falkirk Council had the 5th lowest council house rent, the 4th highest level of repairs and improvement expenditure, and the 4th lowest tenancy management costs.

Councillor Gary Bouse, spokesperson for Housing & Communities, said: “This ambitious £253m investment reaffirms our commitment to providing high-quality, energy-efficient, and affordable homes for our residents.

“Over the next five years, we will continue to improve existing properties, increase our housing supply, and enhance energy efficiency across our communities.

“In 2025/26 alone, £27.25m will be dedicated to upgrading 7,455 homes, with key priorities including window and door replacements, electrical safety improvements, and vital heating system upgrades. A further £11.58m will support new housing through our New Build Programme and Buy Back Scheme, helping to expand the availability of affordable homes across Falkirk.

“We know that tenants want high-quality housing and reliable services, and this investment delivers on that promise while ensuring that more than half of our tenants on the lowest incomes remain fully protected from rent increases.

“This plan is about building a sustainable future—one that supports tenants, improves housing conditions, and strengthens our communities for years to come.”