Councillors agreed that the council purchase 26 homes across West Wemyss, Coaltown of Wemyss and Denbeath, helping to protect tenants at risk of losing their homes.

The properties are currently owned by Torah Capital Limited and TC CAPS3 Limited. Eviction proceedings are underway for tenants in some of these properties.

The acquisition, which will be funded by Fife Council and the Scottish Government, will allow tenants to remain in their homes, with the properties becoming part of the council’s social housing stock.

Bringing the properties into council ownership will provide long-term housing security for residents and help avoid the higher costs associated with emergency housing provision.

As well as preventing homelessness, the move will also help maintain established communities, ensuring residents can stay in the areas where they live and work.

The homes will be added to the council’s housing stock, contributing to longer-term housing supply, and supporting ongoing efforts to meet demand for affordable housing across Fife.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, housing spokesperson for Fife Council, said: “I attended the very first meeting of the Wemyss tenants, following their eviction notices. At that stage, we did not know all the details; however, I gave the commitment, that we would protect the tenants. My priority is to protect people and prevent them from becoming homeless.

“I am pleased that officers have worked through all the challenges and this proposal allows us to step in at the right time, keep families in their homes and provide them with long-term stability. It also strengthens our housing stock and ensures we’re making the best use of available resources to support our communities.”

Cllr David Ross, leader of Fife Council, added: “This has been a very difficult situation all round but especially for the tenants involved who have faced great uncertainty and the prospect of losing their homes.

“I am pleased that it has been agreed today that the council should step in to buy these properties and that we have been able to fulfil our promise to protect the tenants.

“I welcome the contribution towards the purchase costs from the Scottish Government but there will still be a significant cost falling on the Council both to purchase the properties and to undertake the work to bring them up to the standards we expect.

“Nevertheless, this is the right thing to do. This will end the uncertainty for tenants and help keep this community together.”

The council will now continue engagement with Torah Capital and TC CAPS3 to progress and finalise negotiations on the proposed purchase. Subject to a successful conclusion of these discussions and the completion of all necessary legal formalities, the council will take ownership of the properties and upgrade them over time so they meet housing standards.