Cllr George Paul

A report at a recent meeting of council executive detailed various initiatives to increase the supply of housing locally in relation to the council’s affordable housing programme.

Since the start of 2012/13, 2190 affordable homes have been delivered and a further 290 are currently under construction across sites in Livingston, Bathgate and Armadale.

Three of the sites are part of the council’s new-build programme with the remaining six being developed by registered social landlords.

Another 349 units are planned for site start during 2020/21 including council sites at Wellhead Farm, Murieston and Mossend, West Calder amongst numerous sites from Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).

Due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the overall programme is projected to complete 94 per cent of the target 3000 units by March 2022, with the remaining six per cent complete by late summer 2023.

Executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul, said: “Significant progress has been made towards delivering on the target of 3000 affordable homes in West Lothian, however there is no doubt that the impact of Covid-19 has impacted on timescales.With all sites up and running again and more to begin shortly, it is clear to see the excellent work from the council, RSL’s and construction partners to deliver high- quality affordable properties for the people of West Lothian.”

Elsewhere, the council has signed new agreements with housing associations in a drive to cut the numbers of people forced into B&B and homeless accommodation.

The new agreement as part of the council’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Policy RRTP is designed the tackle the growing demand for homes in the county.

A report to councillors on the Services for the Community Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel said: “The council continues to experience a significant demand from people applying for council housing. As of the end of July 2020 there were 8375 applicants on the Common Housing Register and in 2019/ 20 the council received 3764 new housing applications for housing and let 1384 houses, including new build.”