Despite concerns over the availability of affordable housing, Perth and Kinross Council is continuing to sell off its stock.
Almost 40 homes are expected to have been sold off within the 12-month period leading up to the end of March through the right to buy scheme.
The number is more than anticipated, with 33 already sold by mid-December 2010, and has brought in proceeds of nearly £500,000 more than originally budgeted by the local authority.
From the level of inquiries in the pipeline, it is projected there will be further sales, with each benefiting the council to the tune of £35,000 to £40,000 per home.
Although this is bringing in welcome revenue for Perth and Kinross Council, it is taking much-needed property off their stock.
Figures released by Shelter Scotland in October last year suggested there were “growing signs” of a housing shortage hitting Perth and Kinross, as the right to buy scheme resulted in the loss of 2262 affordable homes over the last 10 years.
The charity revealed that in March there were 4073 households on the council waiting list and only 452 new lets were available in 2009-10.
If this were to continue, it could take up to nine years to clear the list.New homesLast month councillors approved plans for a major housing development in Blairgowrie, with 89 new homes to be built on Coupar Angus Road among them 22 affordable units.
Members of the local authority’s development control committee were told there was a “burning need” for affordable and rented housing in the Blairgowrie area because at present there are 302 people awaiting a home who have selected the town as their first choice.
However, there were only 15 houses made available within the past 12 months.
Perth and Kinross Council has taken steps to address the issue, however, and in addition to Blairgowrie, this year will see the completion of the first new council housing development in Perth for 20 years.
A total of 81 affordable housing units will be built in the area at a cost of £10.7 million.
The council’s housing and health committee also agreed in principle last year to use more than £500,000 from the Council Tax Earmarked Reserve to help to buy affordable housing sites in Scone, Perth, Kinross, Blairgowrie and Bridge of Earn.
Funding from the Scottish Government, announced in July, also provided £1.35 million for the area as part of a £30 million nationwide drive to create new homes.
The cash given to the local authority should enable the creation of 45 new properties, which will be exempt from the right to buy scheme meaning it will always be available for council tenants.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user wwworks.