The initiative, which is used to add stock to the council’s housing portfolio, was previously only applicable to owners of former council homes sold through Right to Buy.

At this week’s housing and communities committee, councillors approved an amended scheme which means other homes meeting certain criteria will now be eligible.

As part of the scheme, each property will be assessed against a number of principles, developed in consultation with tenants, before a purchase goes ahead.

These include whether there are available capital funds at the time of the request, whether the property has rental potential, and if it is the size and type required for stock.

Although the majority of homes bought back will be former council properties, if a specific need arises and cannot be met through existing stock or planned new build, then a private home which meets the criteria can now be considered to provide the solution.

The scheme has a budget of £1.38 million for 2019/20 and £1m for 2020/21, which is expected to provide a return of between eight and ten purchases each year.

Councillor Caroline McAllister, vice convener of the committee, said: “This slight amendment will give the council greater flexibility to meet housing needs, and also help us to regenerate areas.

“We are working hard to provide new housing that is the right type and size for the people in our communities who need it. This has already positively contributed to regenerating these areas, and the extension of the Buy Back scheme will take this a step further.

“Sometimes our existing housing stock does not have the type of size of house our tenants require, for example, large family homes. This extension to the policy means the Housing Team can look for an alternative solution while still ensuring best value for money.”

The original Buy Back Scheme came into force in 2015 to assist the housing team in meeting housing need.

To date, 27 new homes have been purchased through the scheme at an overall cost of £2,245,370, inclusive of all works to bring the home up to SHQS and EESSH standard.