A report to councillors, due to be presented at the council’s executive on 9 October, highlights achievements across key housing and community priorities, including new homes, tackling fuel poverty, supporting vulnerable tenants and reducing homelessness.

The strategy is a key part of the Council Plan commitment of ‘supporting stronger and healthier communities’ and covers everything from new housing supply to climate change, tenant participation and support for vulnerable residents.

During 2024/25, 123 additional affordable homes were delivered across the Falkirk Council area, with a further 302 scheduled for delivery in 2025/26. The council bought back 45 former council homes, with another five purchased by a local housing association.

Housing associations are also working with the council to reduce homelessness, with a significant number of new affordable homes that are funded through the Strategic Housing Investment Plan being allocated to people who are homeless.

Work to bring empty properties back into use continues to make an impact. In 2024/25, 30 properties were brought back into use, adding to more than 670 since the scheme began in 2013. Falkirk has a lower proportion of empty homes than the national average, reflecting the success of the council’s approach.

A new Empty Homes Grant has also been launched on a pilot basis. This offers funding to owners to help renovate long-term empty properties, provided they are then let for at least three years at affordable rent levels.

The report also highlights how the council is supporting tenants and communities to get involved with a new Tenant and Customer Participation Strategy (2025-30) agreed following extensive engagement. A Young Persons Housing Forum is also being developed to strengthen the voice of young residents, and £1.6m of investment was made using participatory budgeting for housing improvements and community projects chosen directly by residents.

The council has cleared its backlog of requests for adaptations, ensuring that disabled tenants now receive support more quickly. New-build programmes are also providing more accessible homes, with 10% of homes in the 2024/25 programme designed for wheelchair users and nearly half meeting standards for ambulant disabled residents.

The report also sets out how the council is tackling climate change and fuel poverty within its housing stock and improving the energy efficiency of homes remains a priority. Almost 96% of council properties now meet national energy efficiency standards. Upgrades to windows, doors, roofs and heating systems have reduced tenants’ fuel bills while cutting carbon emissions.

Karen Algie, director of transformation, communities and corporate services, said: “This report shows the significant progress being made across all areas of our housing strategy. 

“From building new homes to supporting vulnerable tenants and reducing carbon emissions, the actions we are taking are delivering real benefits.

“By working closely with communities and partners, we are making sure Falkirk residents have access to safe, affordable, energy-efficient homes in strong and sustainable neighbourhoods.”

The council’s Annual Assurance Statement for Housing Services will also be discussed at the executive meeting. Independent assurance from Internal Audit has confirmed that the council meets most of its regulatory and statutory responsibilities.