West Dunbartonshire Council tenants in need of a new home feel the only way to be rehomed is to become homeless, a councillor has claimed.
The local authority’s new housing strategy confirms how the council is planning to address housing related issues and challenges over the next five year period until financial year 2026/27 while tackling the new problems that have arisen since the Covid-19 crisis.
But concerns have been raised by Labour councillor Michelle McGinty, that while helping homeless people find permanent accommodation is a key concern, other residents who also need a more suitable place to live are being put “at risk” by the council’s policy.
READ MORE: Glaswegians urged to donate coats to help keep the homeless warm this winter
During the housing and communities committee, councillor McGinty said: “I really do think we need to look at our priority for housing and I know that living in community and knowing people that are on the housing list for a long time, the perception within our community is the only way you will get a house is if you become homeless.
“I totally understand that we have a responsibility to homeless people but it shouldn’t be to the detriment of our tenants who are living in houses which are not suitable for their families.
“We need to relook at what we are doing. There are people that need to be rehoused into suitable accommodation.
“By rehousing some of them into other accommodation we would be freeing up houses for homeless people. We need to make sure that no one is being put at risk by the policies we have in place.”
Chief officer of housing and employability, Peter Barry, said he understood why this was a concern for colleagues.
Mr Barry said: “It is tragic if the perception is the only way people can get a house is through the homeless route because that is not a pleasant thing to do.
“It is really depressing to think that is going through people’s minds. We will absolutely take that on board absolutely.”
The strategy will continue to be monitored by the housing team and a report brought back before committee in May 2023.
READ NEXT:
The Forge Market Village traders rehomed as centre steps in to help local businesses
Prime suspect in disappearance of Dumbarton mum on the run after prison day release
Fake Glasgow surrogate told desperate couple she was pregnant with twins in £10k scam
Disbelief at death of 'talented doctor and lovely person' as tributes paid to young Glasgow woman
Suspect charged over Clydebank 'murder bid' after man was 'struck by a car'
