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Empty Caithness housing ‘being brought back into use’





A Highland Council scheme to bring unoccupied council homes back into use is said to be making good progress in Caithness.

The county has low-demand issues, so a choice-based letting scheme operates in the area. This means housing applicants can register an interest in a property which will then be considered by the service.

Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair said that initial results indicate the scheme is working.
Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair said that initial results indicate the scheme is working.

The council’s void-plus policy involves improvements being made to so-called “voided” properties to increase the appeal of these homes.

The works are aimed at enhancing the appeal of these homes for re-letting within the local authority system.

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Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, who chairs the housing and property committee, said: “Our housing management team has already undertaken a host of work to progress this project so far including completing surveys, reports and engaging with sites and services.

“The initial results do indicate that this approach is working, as previously void properties have successfully received offers from housing applicants following improvement works. I am also glad to note that the feedback from tenants who are now living in these homes have expressed satisfaction with the condition of the properties.”

The project is one of many included within the council’s five-year delivery plan which is committed to securing social and economic transformation in the Highlands.


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