Councillors in Perth and Kinross are due to hear new plans regarding additional affordable housing in the region.

Several new affordable housing schemes are to be added to the programme of local authority and housing association developments between 2012-2015.

This will bring the total to 54 additional new houses.

Developments made under the Local Housing Strategy over the last year include a total of 157 new-build properties developed by the Council in 2011/2012 and a reduction of 13% in homelessness.

In February 2012 the entire local authority area was designated as 'pressured' for a period of 10 years by the Council.

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The Council also says a lower proportion of households were found to be living in fuel poverty.

Councillor Kate Howie, housing and health vice convener, said: "The Local Housing Strategy sets out how we intend, over the next few years, to work together with our partners to achieve the improvements required to meet everyone's housing needs more effectively with the resources available to us.

"It is crucial to the long-term future of the area that we address the key housing issues in Perth and Kinross, so all our communities can benefit from good quality housing in safe and secure neighbourhoods."

Councillor Dave Doogan, housing and health convener, said: "The fact that we have exceeded a large percentage of our targets and are on course to achieve the vast majority of others is very good news. However, we can never be complacent and our improvement plan sets out where and how we intend to improve further.

"This report comes forward at a time of significant change and challenge for housing and community care and the services it provides throughout Perth and Kinross. The overall positive results contained in it reflect the commitment of the council and its employees to deliver the support that local people need."

(IT)