Falkirk Council celebrates double win at CIH Scotland Housing Awards

Falkirk Council celebrates double win at CIH Scotland Housing Awards

Japp Gardens housing development in Polmont won an award for Excellence in Accessibility and Inclusion

Falkirk Council is celebrating a double win after two of its innovative community housing projects were honoured at this year’s Chartered Institute of Housing Awards.

The event, held on 14 November and attended by more than 600 people from across the public and private sectors, saw seven Falkirk Council submissions reach the finals.

Two projects went on to claim top awards: Building a Fairer Falkirk, which won Excellence in Health and Wellbeing, and Japp Gardens, which secured the award for Excellence in Accessibility and Inclusion.

Building a Fairer Falkirk impressed judges with its bold, data-led approach to boosting household incomes for tenants to help improve wellbeing.

The project increases take-up of vital support such as Council Tax Reduction, while automations have ensured less people miss out on vital support through Discretionary Housing Payments, Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants. The initiative also embraces ongoing investment in affordable, energy-efficient homes that help tackle fuel poverty and strengthen financial resilience.

Japp Gardens, delivered in partnership with the HSCP, has transformed the former Oakbank care home into 28 fully accessible social homes, setting a new benchmark for inclusive housing.

Designed with tenant and community input, the development features 21 modern flats and seven wheelchair-accessible bungalows, complete with power-assisted doors, adaptable layouts and mobility-scooter storage. The homes are already making a significant positive difference to residents’ independence and quality of life.

Council Leader, Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn said: “This is a truly outstanding achievement for Falkirk Council. To have seven of our submissions reach the finals - and to bring home not only one but two awards - is something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.

“These awards shine a spotlight on the creativity, compassion and dedication of our teams, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people across our communities.”

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