The Scottish Government is providing an extra £2.5 million in funding towards a housing repairs project in Glasgow.

The South-West Govanhill Property Acquisition and Repair Programme is being carried out by Govanhill Housing Association (GHHA).

The scheme aims to address ownership issues, particularly those in the private sector, at four tenement blocks in the Govanhill area. In addition, it aims to tackle poor landlord practices, a lack of factoring arrangements and high tenancy turnover.

The Programme has already passed its two-year target of bringing 80 homes into the social rented sector by purchasing its 100th property.

The project is jointly funded by the Scottish Government (£4.3m) and the city council (£7.1m). The additional £2.5m will allow GHHA to acquire a further 40 properties.

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During a visit to flats which have benefitted from the improvements, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "I am pleased to allocate more funding to this successful pilot which has been focussed on tackling the poor condition of these properties in South West Govanhill and improving the living condition for tenants.

"In partnership with Glasgow City Council and Govanhill Housing Association the pilot has already seen the purchase of 100 properties. A substantial repairs programme to the flats is scheduled to start, and I am pleased to hear that work has already been completed to a number of these to bring them up to lettable standard.

"While much remains to be done, GHHA have done great work in the year and a half since this project started and I look forward to this continuing so that we can see real improvements in the area."

Annie Macfarlane, Vice Chairperson of GHHA, added: "We welcome the announcement of further funding from the Scottish Government, which will allow us to continue to make important progress in buying and repairing properties. The aim of the programme is to provide better living conditions in the area, while also helping to tackle overcrowding and deliver a more effective system of property management and maintenance."

(LM/MH)