The agreement formally recognises how the council will work with Barrhead Housing to increase and improve housing supply and services, contribute to regeneration, provide support for the most vulnerable and progress carbon reduction. It will also support the development of employees at both organisations, helping to drive innovation and instill positive change.

Having declared a local housing emergency last year, East Renfrewshire Council has been working with Barrhead Housing to respond to and mitigate the impact of increasing levels of homelessness. The new strategic agreement is a crucial step in tackling the issues the services are currently facing.

The agreement also supports the delivery of a core A Place to Grow (the Community Planning Partnership’s new plan for East Renfrewshire) outcome: we will have well-designed and sustainable housing options, with more affordable homes.

Speaking at the launch event, convener for environment and housing, Councillor Danny Devlin, said: “Today marks a formal commitment, but Barrhead Housing has long been one of our key partners in the local community. This strategic agreement acknowledges the vital role our partnership plays, so I’m delighted it is now in place and we can continue to work together and provide our tenants and the wider community with a service we can all be proud of.”

Barrhead Housing chair John Hamilton said: “This agreement signifies our joint commitment to tackling some of the most important issues of our day: homelessness and the acute shortage of affordable homes. Over the next five years, we will address these issues head on. The communities we serve deserve no less. In drafting the agreement, we have consulted and listened to those communities - and to what they believe they need and expect. We will continue to do so as we work to turn the objectives included in this important document into new homes and stronger, more resilient communities.”

East Renfrewshire Council leader, Councillor Owen O’Donnell, added: “I would like to commend our housing service team and those from Barrhead Housing for the vital work they put in to this agreement. I am extremely reassured that while challenges remain, we have a fantastic group of employees, directors, councillors and local community representatives who are committed to the people of East Renfrewshire, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to flourish, thrive and grow.”

Barrhead Housing chief executive Lorna Wilson said: “This agreement will make a real difference in addressing the housing emergency in East Renfrewshire. It will add over 200 new, affordable homes to the 1000 we currently own and manage. This will include building over 150 new homes for social rent and 26 for mid-market rent, as well as purchasing up to 50 existing homes from the open market. These ambitious plans will deliver attractive, modern homes that are energy-efficient and affordable to heat, ensuring we reduce our carbon footprint and meet our fuel-poverty and net zero targets.”

The contribution of new homes from Barrhead Housing will assist the council in achieving the Local Housing Strategy minimum target of 45 additional affordable homes per year on average over five years. While this is the target, by working collaboratively and maximising opportunities for finding suitable homes across all housing tenures, the ambition is to achieve up to 65 additional affordable homes per year.