The local authority’s Housing Committee agreed to an increase in the programme by 1,000 homes.

The homes will be delivered using a range of measures currently used, including traditional new builds, off-the-shelf purchases and the council’s Open Market Purchase Scheme. Around 1,581 new build homes have already been completed, including a record 335 homes last year, the second highest number of social rented completions in Scotland.

The programme’s increase depends on the continuity of grant funding via the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and rental income.

The committee also heard about the need for mid-market rented homes to meet broader housing demand and agreed that the Airdrie area should be identified as a potential pilot to progress the delivery of these homes.

Mid-market rented homes enable those on low and modest incomes greater accessibility to affordable rented accommodation.

Feasibility work is underway, and a further report containing additional information will be presented to a future committee.

Housing convener, Councillor Michael McPake, said: “Our new supply programme is one of the most ambitious in the country. We’ve made significant progress in delivering and increasing the availability of modern homes for social rent and our exciting expansion plans will add to this.

“Our vision for North Lanarkshire links these plans to the re-provisioning of all tower blocks over 20 years, with new homes to be built on the sites of the tower blocks following their demolition.

“However, like many other councils, we are facing increased housing pressure with homelessness figures rising in recent years due to the shortage of affordable housing, private rent increases and higher mortgage payments. This in turn raises demand for social rented homes with around four applicants per social rented allocation.

“We are committed to supporting people across our communities, meeting their housing aspirations now and in the future. Our plans to expand our council housing supply programme, will help us continue to deliver affordable housing at pace, changing lives and transforming communities while making North Lanarkshire the place to live.”