A stepped-up supply of affordable housing, expanded tenant support and ongoing investment in energy-efficient homes are underpinning Perth and Kinross Council's drive to provide high-quality housing for local residents.

Papers considered by the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee on Wednesday reported strong progress against the Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027, with affordable housing delivery surpassing targets and additional measures helping people stay in their homes and live independently.

The Committee also reviewed the Council's Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP), which backs the vision that everyone in Perth and Kinross can access a suitable, well-located and affordable home.

Over the past year, delivery has advanced across all four strategy priorities. Affordable homes completions have exceeded targets, while the Council has boosted supply through a successful buy-back programme and by returning empty properties to use. This has increased access to settled accommodation, eased demand for temporary housing and supported homelessness prevention.

-- Advertisement --

Investment has continued in services that help households sustain tenancies. The Tenancy Sustainment Fund, Financial Inclusion Project and Home First approach have supported residents facing financial pressures and strengthened assistance for people at risk of homelessness.

Enabling residents to live independently for longer remains central. The Council has maintained funding for home adaptations, technology-enabled care and accessible housing, delivered new supported accommodation and established a Complex Housing Solutions Panel to identify options for people with complex needs.

Work to improve quality and sustainability is also progressing, with energy-efficiency upgrades, affordable warmth initiatives and new-build programmes helping reduce energy bills and advance climate and net zero aims.

Looking ahead, the SHIP proposes accelerating affordable housing delivery. Between 2027/28 and 2031/32, the programme forecasts 1,440 affordable homes, including buy-backs—an average of 288 a year—exceeding the Local Housing Strategy target of 210 annually. Expected completions range from 252 in 2027/28 to a peak of 412 in 2028/29.

Councillor Tom McEwan, Convener of the Council's Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee, said: "The progress made so far demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest quality homes for residents across Perth and Kinross. We are delivering more affordable homes, helping people remain independent for longer, investing in existing housing stock and supporting communities across both urban and rural areas.

While housing challenges remain across Scotland, we will continue working with partners to ensure local people have access to safe, warm and affordable homes that meet their needs now and into the future."