Fife on track to meet ambitious affordable housing commitment

Staff and partner organisations who have contributed to the Affordable Housing Programme’s success marked out the 2,700 target figure at Fife House
Staff and partner organisations who have contributed to the Affordable Housing Programme’s success marked out the 2,700 target figure at Fife House

Fife Council is on track to deliver on its commitment of 2,700 affordable homes by 2017 as it marks that all developments are now complete, or are under construction, across the Kingdom.

With a total investment across partners in excess of £300 million, all 2,700 affordable homes are now either built or underway to meet local people’s needs.

Fife Council’s leader, David Ross, said: “Creating new-build housing is a fundamental part of our housing policy, and housing is at the heart of our ambitions to create a fairer and more prosperous Fife. I am proud and delighted to be able to mark that Fife is firmly on target to deliver 2,700 affordable homes by 2017. All of our development sites are successfully complete, or under construction, and will benefit tenants and new applicants from the housing lists.

“These homes are truly transforming the lives of the tenants who move into them, as well as creating a chain, whereby we can further reduce housing lists as we allocate their previous homes for rent to others in housing need.

“We recognise that it’s absolutely vital that we continue to invest in much needed quality affordable housing. Despite facing significant financial challenges, Fife Council is investing over £150 million in this Programme.”

A total of 66 developments that make up the Affordable Housing Programme are now complete, with a further 48 developments under construction across Fife progressing well.

There is a growing need for housing across Fife and these homes will help contribute to meeting these needs. The majority of the Fife Council homes delivered or under construction will be for council rent, with many of those allocated to existing council tenants on the transfer list. Other types of affordable housing are also being made available, including mid-market rent homes.

The Affordable Housing Programme offers a mix of house types, offering from one to seven bedrooms, and includes two-storey houses, bungalows and some flats, as well as homes that will meet a range of needs.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, executive spokesperson for housing & building services, said: “Delivering good quality affordable homes is a top priority for Fife Council. I’m very pleased that we are on-track to provide 2,700 affordable homes by 2017.

“I would like to thank all of our staff from across the Affordable Housing Programme, who have worked so hard to identify opportunities, consult with communities, develop plans and gain planning permission for our sites, as well as build these homes.

“The building programme is transforming peoples’ lives through jobs and apprenticeships, upskilling our workforce, and supporting Fife’s economy. It is delivering new warmer, drier, healthier homes that bring security and improve the health and wellbeing of families.

“The programme has involved Fife Council and Housing Association partners, as well as many private developers. We’ve been on 114 construction sites – and I think I’ve seen many of them.”

The Affordable Housing Programme has involved support from the Scottish Government as well as Fife, Kingdom and Ore Valley housing associations.

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