The council’s open market acquisition system was last renewed in 2016 as a way to increase home purchases and lettable housing stock.

The current policy has proven successful, with 191 properties being bought between 2016/17 and 2019/20 and at least another 16 properties are due to conclude in 2021/21.

At present, when considering which properties are eligible, consideration is given to what repairs or improvements are required to bring the property up to lettable standard and in line with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

The current policy sets a limit of £8,5000 which can restrict the properties available for the council to offer one. One of the proposed changes will see a value for money assessment carried out, considering the combined cost of purchase and improvements.

West Lothian Council would seek to secure the best value price that does not exceed the Home Report valuation plus a repairs allowance of £8,500, the West Lothian Courier reports.

In doing so, the council may be able to buy with a lower offer on properties which have been listed on the market for a long time, or properties which may need greater capital investment. This will also assist with the regeneration of the area where a property is in a poorer condition and will be improved.

Another change is on the size of properties is that the council is able to make offers on.

Previously, essential criteria highlighted that only one or two bedrooms properties will be considered unless there is a strategic reason for purchasing a larger property.

The policy will see that properties of all sizes can be bought to meet an increase in demand for all house types, in particular, larger houses with three, four and five bedrooms where appropriate and to reduce the pressure on the homelessness service.

The council’s report revealed that the existing £9.255 million capital budget for open market acquisitions will be used to purchase former local authority houses and that Scottish Government funding of at least £30,000 per unit is available for buying back former council houses in West Lothian until 20222.

The executive noted the revised policy and approved the changes.

George Paul, executive councillor for services for the community, said: “Officers have completed a review of the current policy proposed changes. They should increase opportunities for the council to purchase more open market houses and flats and further increase capacity for social housing in West Lothian.

“The revised scheme is likely to provide benefit to the council in terms of creating additional stock, easing the pressure on temporary accommodation for homeless applicants and families, helping the council to become the majority owner within blocks of flats, helping to regenerate areas and reduce the number of empty homes within West Lothian.

“The revised scheme is likely to provide benefit to the council.”