West Lothian Council has reported a significant reduction in the number of empty council properties, commonly known as "voids," in recent months.

Currently, around 1.7% of all council properties in West Lothian are vacant, a significant decrease from over 500 properties in November 2023.

"This is a key priority for the council," said Executive councillor for Housing Services, George Paul. "A significant amount of effort and resource has been deployed to ensure that we reduce the number of empty (void) properties locally, and ensure they are re-let as quickly as possible."

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The council has repaired and brought over 1,300 council properties back into lettable condition since April 2024, a significant increase compared to the previous year.

"Almost as many council homes are returned to us as are re-let which highlights that it's a continual process to repair, check and re-let empty council homes - which we class as being voids," said Julie Whitelaw, Head of Housing, Customer & Building Services. "This turnover of property is necessary to allow us to offer new tenancies to people who are seeking council housing in West Lothian."

The council has experienced an increase in the number of properties returned in a poor condition, requiring significant and time-consuming repairs.

Despite efforts to minimise void periods, the council acknowledges that a certain number of empty properties will always exist. This is due to factors such as tenants declining offers of suitable properties, or failing to attend viewings.