Housing Committee members have greenlit a substantial £531 million investment strategy aimed at transforming council homes and reinforcing communities throughout North Lanarkshire over the next five years.

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Investment Plan outlines a total spend of £531.5 million between 2026/27 and 2030/31. The first year of the programme alone will see an allocation of £87.9 million to kickstart a variety of tenant-focused improvements.

The extensive programme covers internal upgrades, including new kitchens, bathrooms, and windows, alongside essential heating and safety works. The plan also encompasses large-scale regeneration projects, the demolition of obsolete properties, and the installation of ultrafast broadband in council homes. Additionally, tower blocks and sheltered housing complexes are set for significant modernisations.

Sustainability is a core pillar of the strategy, with more than £254 million earmarked for energy efficiency measures over the five-year period. This includes a continued rollout of triple-glazed windows and new doors, as well as an expansion of the solar photovoltaic (PV) panel initiative. Heating systems will be upgraded with a focus on low-carbon solutions where feasible, complemented by roofing improvements and external wall insulation in various towns and villages.

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Specific estate regeneration and demolition works will continue in Motherwell, Wishaw, Coatbridge, Kilsyth, and Gowkthrapple. To improve local amenities and combat anti-social behaviour, several underused lock-up sites are scheduled for clearance. Furthermore, 19 sheltered housing complexes will receive modern digital warden-call systems alongside ongoing fire safety enhancements.

Stephen Llewellyn, Chief Housing Officer explained: "This investment is about making sure our tenants have homes they can feel proud of homes that are warm, safe and ready for the future. We know people are concerned about rising energy costs and reliability, and this plan puts real focus on improving heating, insulation and renewable energy.

"But it's not just about bricks and mortar. It's about improving everyday life. Whether that's modernising sheltered housing, upgrading safety systems or regenerating estates, it is aimed at strengthening communities and supporting the people who live in them."

Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of Housing, said: "Our priority is to delivering quality homes for our tenants. This is one of the largest housing investment programmes of its kind in Scotland and it shows the scale of our commitment to our communities. These improvements will make a real difference. Lower fuel bills, safer buildings, better living spaces and regeneration that lifts whole neighbourhoods. It's about creating places where people feel secure, confident and proud to call home."