West Lothian will see almost 400 new homes built by the council in the next five years in a £27 million capital programme.
The budget agreed this week by councillors will see the new build programme deliver 380 homes by 2027/28 as well as millions spent refurbishing and upgrading its existing homes.
The Housing Capital Investment Programme will see investment of £157.972 million over the five year period, and anticipated expenditure of £26.592 million in the coming financial year 2023/24.
Graeme Struthers, the Depute Chief Executive responsible for housing, told a meeting of the full council: “It builds on, and consolidates, local housing needs identified within the Strategic Housing Investment Programme and Local Housing Strategy. “
A motion raised by George Paul executive councillor for housing said: “There is a strong focus within the programme on the creation of additional social housing including continuation of the approved new build programme and continuing with a programme of open market acquisitions. These measures will increase the availability of social housing within communities for both existing residents and future generations.”
Councillor Paul added: “This five-year Housing Capital Programme forms a key part in the longer-term approach to asset investment and planning, and considers expenditure required to improve and extend council’s assets for future years.”
An amendment put forward by the SNP’s depute group leader, Councillor Robert De Bold countered with a call to “Approve the one-year capital budget for 2023/24, with total investment of £26.592m in 2023/24 In light of the continuing uncertainties regarding the ability of the United Kingdom Government.”
Councillor Willie Boyle, seconding the amendment, told the meeting: “We are heading into the unknown with this Westminster government. Everybody in the country seems to be able to see that.
“We need flexibility to be able to react to the market’s financial situation and the impact it’s having on tenants. The motion promises only 75 new houses a year which, given the numbers in bed and breakfast, is not good news for West Lothian.”
Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick branded the SNP amendment as “fairytale and misinformation” for its opening sentence: “The SNP Group on West Lothian Council are in full agreement with the letter from Cosla Leaders, signed by Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick and sent to the First Minister which laid the blame for the most challenging fiscal situation since devolution where it belongs - disastrous decisions made by the Westminster Conservative Government”.
He pointed out that the Cosla’s letter had been directed at the Scottish Government adding that it had also been signed by the Conservative council leaders of three Scottish local authorities who would be unlikely to blame their Conservative colleagues in Westminster.
He said that such misinformation was akin to what appears on extremist news sites.
He added: “To talk about a one year capital plan is unacceptable. No local authority proceeds on that basis. It just doesn’t happen.”
He said that no registered social landlord and no construction company would work on a one year programme, it would be more likely to be a ten year programme.
“I have never heard such a lack of economic sense in my life”
Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan, depute Labour leader said she was baffled that councillor Boyle was so disappointed at the number of new homes plans yet supported a one year budget which would see even fewer new homes built.
She added: “ I could be forgiven for thinking we are in Westminster. We’re sitting in west Lothian Council. I think it’s worth reminding members that over 80% of our funding comes from the Scottish Government and this council as with others has been significantly under funded over many years.”
The capital budget was passed by 17 votes to 13.
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