Council housing plan will trigger jobs boost
Ambitious plans to create 1,000 new council homes could help trigger a major economic boost for North Ayrshire with the creation of thousands of new jobs.
North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet last week approved its new Strategic Housing Investment Plan which outlined how a new generation of social housing will be created over the next five years.
As well as addressing much-needed demand for affordable housing, it is also expected that the house-building programme will produce financial spinoffs for the area.
The plan includes the proposal to build nearly 50 affordable homes on Arran, as highlighted by the Banner earlier this month. This includes 26 new council houses, the first to be built on the island for more than 30 years, and a further 20 by the Trust Housing Association. Both developments are in the Springbank area of Brodick.
6,400 jobs
A report has outlined how the proposed 1,563 properties – to be built by the council and social housing partners across the council area – could create up to 6,400 jobs.
Councillor Alex Gallagher, cabinet member for economy, said: ‘Most importantly, our commitment to create 1,000 council houses by 2023 is about ensuring more people have access to affordable housing.
‘That is one of the most pressing issues we face – too many people in North Ayrshire and across Scotland do not have access to homes they can afford and they are the primary reason we are delivering this new social housing.
‘However, the housebuilding programme will also be the catalyst to create new jobs which can help deliver economic growth that will enrich all our communities.
‘It’s a win-win for North Ayrshire and will be a key part of our aim to regenerate our towns, increase employment and improve our economy.’
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) outlines how the council plans to build 1,000 new houses over the next five years while registered social landlords (RSLs) will create more than 500 properties.
Research undertaken by Homes for Scotland suggests that there are 4.1 jobs created for every new home constructed, meaning that the new housing to be created by the council and RSLs are therefore expected to create around 6,400 jobs in the construction sector. The SHIP illustrates how public sector investment can help transform communities and how the council will work with partners, such RSLs, on potential developments to secure maximum regeneration benefits.
The report also says that housing-led regeneration which provides high quality, well designed, and fuel efficient homes will improve the visual amenity of the area, reduce the cost of living for residents and also bring about increased levels of private sector investment.
Furthermore, contractors will be expected to participate in the council’s community benefits scheme to provide apprenticeships for young people which increases the skills base and supports economic growth.
The SHIP outlines how effective use of community benefit clauses in development contracts – and partnership work with colleagues in Economic Development to support local construction and supply chain companies to bid for this work - can secure many of these jobs for local people.
The plan will now go to Scottish ministers for final approval.