The Highland Council’s “void-plus” policy is being delivered in Caithness on a trial basis as part of the council’s 2024–27 delivery plan.

It is designed to help create sustainable tenancies in parts of Caithness, where there has been difficulty in re-letting void council housing. It involves improvements being made to voided properties to increase the appeal of these homes.

There are low demand issues in Caithness, so a choice-based letting scheme currently operates in the area. This means housing applicants can register an interest in a property which will then be considered by the service.

By the end of March, 18 empty properties had been brought up to void-plus standard. While the void-plus policy is focused primarily on decorative works, two of the 18 properties have benefited from the supply of white goods and carpeting.

To date, no void-plus property has been refused. The local housing team has spoken with nine of the new tenants as part of the standard settling-in process. All have advised that they are satisfied with the quality of their new homes.

Caithness committee chair Councillor Andrew Jarvie said: “This is a fantastic project which will help encourage people to move into Caithness.

“By taking empty council houses and fitting them out to an enhanced standard, it encourages people to register interest from the broader Highlands and brings homes back into use which would otherwise sit empty

“Caithness has so much to offer, and it is great to see more people moving in. I am also glad to note that the feedback from tenants who are now living in these homes has been very positive.

“Our committee looks forward to a more detailed report once the first-year milestone of this pilot project has been reached.”