An updated version of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) is to go in front of Perth & Kinross councillors today, 31 October, for approval.

The SHIP sets out how Scottish Government funding for the development of affordable housing will be invested to support the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy for Perth and Kinross. The Local Housing Strategy (2016-21), approved by Housing and Health Committee in May 2016, identifies a number of key priorities:

• More affordable homes and well managed stock to make sure homes are the right size, type and location

• Safe and secure communities for residents of Perth and Kinross with access to good quality, affordable accommodation

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• People can live independently at home for as long as possible with help from the community and local support networks

• Warm, energy efficient and low carbon homes are available for Perth and Kinross residents which they can afford to heat.

The SHIP is required to be updated annually and submitted to the Scottish Government.

Committee Convener, Councillor Peter Barrett, explained: "There is a high demand for housing in Perth and Kinross, which is set to continue given the projected increase in population over the next 15-20 years.

"It is therefore essential that more new homes are built to meet these needs. Due to a number of factors and influences such as land acquisition and planning processes, it is necessary to review and re-prioritise the SHIP on an ongoing basis."

He added: "It is one of our highest priorities as a Council to provide as much affordable, high quality accommodation as we can for people in Perth and Kinross. We are doing this through a number of innovative projects such as our new-build programme, Buy Backs and bringing empty properties back into use as housing. We also work very closely with local partner housing providers to ensure we are delivering housing which meet the needs of our communities, especially the most vulnerable people in those communities."

(CM)