Falkirk Council

Link chair Roy Stirrat (left) with Cllr Gerry Goldie at the Hazel Road development Two new affordable housing developments in Falkirk have been officially opened by Falkirk Council’s convener for housing, Councillor Gerry Goldie.

Around 700 jobs could be at risk at Falkirk Council after the local authority looks to save £45 million over the next three years. The cuts may lead to 200 jobs being lost in this financial year, 300 the following year and another 200 in 2018/19 from a workforce of over 7239.

The Accounts Commission has urged Falkirk Council to do more to achieve £46 million of cuts over the next three years. A report into the financial running of the local authority found it delivered a good standard of services, particularly in education.

Almost £1 million will be spent on upgrading works to 83 council houses across Falkirk. The work is expected to get underway over the summer and will involve replacing rendering and roofing at 36 properties in Bo’ness, 27 in Polmont and 20 Maddiston.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has agreed to explore the possibility of investing a portion of the pension fund it shares with The Highland Council in building social and affordable housing. Malcolm Burr, chief executive of the Western Isles council, has confirmed that the proposal will be discussed at t

John Finnie Independent MSP John Finnie has written to the chief executives of the six Highlands and Islands local authorities, urging them to follow the lead of Falkirk Council and invest a portion of their pension fund in building social and affordable housing.

Alex Neil Falkirk Council’s Local Government Pension Scheme Fund has awarded fund manager Hearthstone Investments £30 million to invest in social and affordable housing in Scotland.

Almost 100 new homes are to be built in the Falkirk area in a move that will also provide an income for the local authority's pension fund. Members of Falkirk Council’s executive committee agreed to bring forward an Affordable Housing Grant to help fund new developments.