North Lanarkshire Council has completed 335 new homes as part of its ongoing housing build programme. The council has also delivered significant community benefits, including job creation, training opportunities, and support for local initiatives.

The council's community benefits programme, linked to housing development contracts, aims to boost the local economy and skills base. Over the past year, the programme has facilitated 10 new jobs, 23 work experience placements, and 15 career events.

The council has also collaborated with local schools to inspire young people to consider careers in the construction industry. Initiatives such as the "Build Your Futures" programme have provided students with valuable insights and practical experience.

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By investing in housing and community development, North Lanarkshire Council is working to improve the lives of local residents and strengthen the local economy.

Housing Convener, Councillor Michael McPake, said: "Our Community Benefits team works with services including employability, education and early careers paths into the building industry, with particular emphasis on supporting priority groups as part of our plan to help tackle inequalities. By doing this we can support people who are keen to embark on a career in the building industry while at the same time helping developers source the right local people for the right jobs.

"We're committed to maximising the delivery of community benefits helping communities to thrive and continue to put local people at the heart of our future plans to make North Lanarkshire the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit."

Financial benefits awarded include a £1,080 donation pledged from the Brandon Street Project to Forgewood Allotments group to rebuild some raised beds for disabled plot holders; £3,000 earmarked for Muirhouse Primary School working with deprived young people; £2,000 from the Castlehill Wishaw Project for the amenity housing common room and £3,200 from our Castlehill Project community benefits to support a paid summer placement within construction.

Several non-financial support valuing almost £10,000 was carried out, involving contractors donating assorted items such as training, time and excess materials for local projects.