Almost £79 million is to be invested to build new 'affordable' housing in South Lanarkshire.

The funding is part of the Scottish Government's £1.75 billion investment in 'affordable' housing across the country. Grant subsidies totalling £78.7m will be given to South Lanarkshire over the next three financial years to 2021.

The funding will help the local authority reach it's target to deliver 1,000 new homes by 2022. Work is already ongoing with 50 new homes being built, while work on a further 210 houses is planned to start during 2017 and early 2018.

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Cllr Josh Wilson said: "The news that South Lanarkshire is to receive more than £78m over the next three years provides the certainty both the local authority and the sector needs. It will allow us ot continue our ambitious plans to provide new high quality accommodation and improve the lives of our tenants and communities.

"A thousand new homes by 2021/22 is an ambitious target but, with support from the Scottish Government, it is one we will look to meet while adding value in terms of a range of other community benefits including employment and training opportunities.

"New council houses are being designed to meet changing modern living standards, and in a range of innovative & flexible styles to meet a range of needs. Modern design and insulation, and the incorporation of renewable technologies such as solar panels, will also ensure the homes are energy efficient and cheaper to run, benefitting the environment as well as household budgets."

(LM/MH)