Falkirk Council has approved a new five-year Local Housing Strategy was approved by elected members at today's Executive meeting (17 October).

The new strategy sets out a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the availability of good quality, affordable housing, promoting sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of its residents.

With a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the strategy places a strong emphasis on sustainability and outlines measures to reduce building emissions, improve insulation and promote alternative energy options.

It also sets out a housing supply target for 2023-2028 to deliver a total of 2,600 units with a focus on larger properties, wheelchair-accessible homes and support services for those with complex care needs.

The report also sets out achievements from the previous local housing strategy 2017-2022 which include:

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• 811 additional affordable homes

• 262 empty homes brought back into use

• More tenants are satisfied with opportunities to participate

• A new Homelessness Prevention team is now in place to deliver initiatives to prevent homelessness.

Councillor Gary Bouse, spokesperson for Housing and Communities said: "The new strategy is committed to delivering more than just homes, its about creating communities, promoting sustainability and ensuring no one is left behind. With a focus on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing accessibility and providing support where needed, we are building a better future for our residents.

"We've already achieved so much in the last five years, and along with the Strategic Investment Plan, also approved today, we're more than ready to continue our journey of housing excellence and inclusivity."

The Council's ambitious Strategic Investment Plan 2024-2025, which sets out the strategic investment priorities for affordable homes to meet housing needs and demand over its five years was also approved and will be submitted to the Scottish Government along with the Local Housing Strategy.

The Scottish Government provides grant funding to deliver the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and the Council works closely with Registered Social Landlords to distribute funding across eligible projects.

In 2022-23 there was significant progress in affordable housing spending over £15 million on new builds, buybacks and participation in initiatives including the First Home Fund.