North Lanarkshire Council has announced that their successful home buying scheme, which is delivering additional council homes for rent, is being extended with some sellers being able to remain in their homes and become council tenants.

The open market purchase scheme, which is supported by the Scottish Government, has delivered 562 extra council homes for rent since its launch in April 2018. The scheme enables the purchase of properties that are for sale on the open market and are generally former council houses which were purchased under right to buy.

A recent expansion now enables owners in blocks of flats, where all other flats are already owned by the council, to potentially sell their home to the council and remain in their home as a council tenant. This will make it easier for the council to progress investment works for the benefit of everyone living in the block.

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Councillor Allan Stubbs, Convener of Housing said: "The open market purchase scheme which is supported by grant funding from the Scottish Government, has enabled the council to increase its housing stock and provide additional homes for people in our communities.

"Our new administration is committed to supporting those most in need within our communities. We are delighted the scheme is being extended and we look forward to delivering more homes in areas where there is demand for that type and size of property.

"The open market purchase scheme helps bring empty properties back into use that have been lying empty or derelict for a considerable period of time. It can also help us progress with common refurbishment works within mixed tenure blocks of flats for the benefit of our tenants.

"We are determined to provide additional affordable homes for social rent which will help tackle child poverty, prevent homelessness and realise our vision of putting people and communities first."