North Lanarkshire Council's new supply housing programme is delivering significant investment directly into the local economy, alongside a wide range of benefits designed to support local people and increase access to contract opportunities for local businesses.

The ambitious programme aims to deliver 6,000 new homes by 2035, transforming town centres and local communities.

This year, the community benefits clauses—which are mandatory components of the council's new house building tenders—delivered substantial outcomes for the construction sector. These included 13 new recruitment and employment opportunities, such as positions for a trainee estimator, joiner, landscaper, and site administrator.

The contracts also facilitated four paid summer placements, engaged with local education providers through four careers' events and site visits, and supported supply chain development involving three local businesses.

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Councillor Michael McPake, Housing Convener, highlighted the programme's success: "Our new supply team works closely with contractors and other services to maximise the opportunities generated through our new supply programme. Contractors building developments provide benefits such as jobs and community projects. We continue to work with contractors to roll these out across areas as we deliver more new homes."

The programme has already provided tangible career routes into construction for young people. For example, Connor McKenna (17) from Wishaw completed two placements on a development at School Street, Coatbridge, before joining contractor CCG and securing a full plumbing apprenticeship. Connor said: "When I did my school placement, I knew then I wanted to find a role in construction. After doing the second placement and then joining CCG as a plumber's mate, the level of responsibility was something I really enjoyed."

The council also works closely with education and employability teams to ensure young people with additional support needs can enter the building environment. A successful project saw six Buchanan High pupils complete bespoke training, including SQA Health and Safety in Construction and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) exams, before embarking on careers in joinery, plumbing, and general labouring. Furthermore, the council actively engages with small businesses through 'Meet the Real Buyer' events to help them develop and grow within the supply chain.

Contractors currently delivering developments, including CCG, Clark Contracts, The JR Group, and McTaggart Construction, have also supported six local community projects over the past year, ranging from painting community centres and donating anti-graffiti paint to funding a mental health walk leader and completing a friendship garden.