Falkirk Council has launched a bid to make hundreds of 'affordable' homes available to rent over the next five years.

The local authority is leading a consortium on behalf of itself and other social landlords in the area to secure £35 million of Scottish Government funding for the scheme. The money will add to £55m already being provided by various bidders.

The council is aiming to provide 562 homes for the initiative, with 202 being new builds and 360 as buybacks (where the Council purchase back into social ownership former Council homes). In addition, Weslo Housing Management; Kingdom Housing Association and Link Housing Association are aiming to provide a further 224 new home builds.

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Overall, the project aims to make a total of 786 'affordable' homes available for rent in areas such as Stenhousemuir, Denny, Falkirk, Grangemouth, Bo'ness, Whitecross, Tamfourhill, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead.

Housing spokesperson, Cllr Gerry Goldie, said: "Making new and affordable homes available locally is a big priority for us and this ambitious bid if successful will see nearly 800 properties available for social renting across the Falkirk area.

"Combining our resources with other social landlords ensures we can maximise the bid and get the most out of our application for local communities across the Falkirk area.

"We are already in negotiations with the Scottish Government to ensure we get the best deal for residents in the area and deliver housing where it is really needed."

(LM/MH)