More than £11 million has been invested in acquisitions and repairs to deliver more homes for local people to live in and to provide additional housing stock in sought after areas. The council-run scheme is supported by a £4.2m package from the Scottish Government and allows the purchase of properties to boost affordable housing supply.

The scheme has also allowed the council to progress plans for its tower re-provisioning programme by enabling the purchase of a number of private homes in existing towers blocks earmarked for demolition.

Pamela Humphries

Pamela Humphries, head of planning and regeneration, said: “We are continuing to This scheme means we can increase the number of good quality homes for rent in our towns and villages in places our communities want to live in.

“We’ve had plenty of interest from a substantial number of homeowners since this scheme was first introduced. Our development team identify properties in areas of high demand, which would enhance our current stock and which would represent value for money and being appealing for people to rent.

“It also means we can buy properties where the purchase will mean the council takes complete, or majority ownership of blocks of flats making communal repairs much easier to complete.”

Pat O’Rourke, acting convener of communities and housing, added: “We have set out ambitious plans to improve and expand our housing stock in North Lanarkshire. In addition to our new build programme, the open market purchase scheme lets us buy homes in areas where there is demand for that type and size of property.

“Our focus is on meeting the changing housing needs of our tenants and this scheme provides opportunities to increase and enhance the homes we currently have available.”

More information on the scheme and homes which would be considered for purchase is available here.