Local Housing Strategy

The Local Housing Strategy (LHS) sets out how the Council and its partners plan to address housing issues and demand in our area over the next 5 years. The evidence for the strategy comes from a housing need and demand assessment which estimates the need for both private and affordable housing in the area.

The LHS Action Update gives details on the current progress of our commitment towards achieving our 6 priorities. We continually monitor and review the Action Plan and publish this on an annual basis.

Local Housing Strategy
PDF file, 2.1 MB
LHS Summary 14.12.17
PDF file, 115.2 KB
Appendix 1 - HNDA
PDF file, 2 MB
Appendix 3 - Equality Impact Assessment
PDF file, 260.9 KB
Appendix 4 - Housing Contribution Statement
PDF file, 218.6 KB
Appendix 5 - Consultation Report
PDF file, 525.4 KB
Appendix 6 - Terms of Reference SHG
PDF file, 71 KB
Appendix 7 - Housing Supply Targets
PDF file, 247.1 KB
Strategic Environmental Assessment for the LHS 2017-22
PDF file, 44 KB
Appendix 9 - BTS Strategy 2011-16
PDF file, 179.6 KB
Appendix 10 - Section 72 Statement of Assistance 2011-16
PDF file, 701.4 KB
Appendix 11 - Housing Renewal Area Policy
PDF file, 1.2 MB
Housing Asset Management Plan
DOCX file, 4.1 MB
Local Housing Strategy Update 2015
PDF file, 1 MB
Local Housing Strategy 2017-2022 - First Update
PDF file, 930.3 KB

Frequently asked questions

  1. Do local authorities have to develop a Local Housing Strategy?
  2. Is there guidance for a developing a Local Housing Strategy?
  3. What happens after a local housing strategy is developed?
  4. How does a Local Housing Strategy relate to national priorities?
  5. What are the key priorities or outcomes in the Local Housing Strategy?

Do local authorities have to develop a Local Housing Strategy?

Yes, it is a legal requirement under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.

Is there guidance for a developing a Local Housing Strategy?

Yes, the Scottish Government have developed guidance which can be found on their website: Scottish Government: Local Housing Strategy Guidance

What happens after a local housing strategy is developed?

It must be approved by the full council and the Scottish Government. The strategy must meet the Scottish Government Local Housing Strategy criteria.

Our Local Housing Strategy was approved by the full council in December 2011 and was approved by the Scottish Government in April 2012.

How does a Local Housing Strategy relate to national priorities?

It sets out how we will locally provide affordable housing to meet national targets.

What are the key priorities or outcomes in the Local Housing Strategy?

We will ensure that we:

  • Make the best use of existing and new housing to tackle local housing needs.
  • Provide advice and information on affordable housing options to help people access housing and to prevent homelessness.
  • Help older people and those with disabilities to make informed housing choices and any required adaptations to their home.
  • Provide housing support and other services to help people live independently.
  • Tackle fuel poverty and improve the condition of our existing housing stock.
  • Manage rented housing effectively and efficiently.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) outlines how investment into affordable housing will be used to achieve the Local Housing Strategy (LHS) outcomes.

It shows how the needs and priorities related to affordable housing will be tackled. It focuses on how projects will be delivered taking into account the availability of resources, land supply and infrastructure.

The main priority of the SHIP is new housing provision by the Council's Registered Social Landlord's (RSL). It takes into account any new council house building programmes which the Council may deliver.

In addition, the SHIP addresses regeneration activity and issues relating to energy efficiency and sustainability.

If you have a project you would like to be considered for inclusion in the SHIP, please complete the project submission form below:

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2023 to 2028
DOCX file, 1.5 MB
Design Guide 2019
PDF file, 398.5 KB
SHIP Proforma 2020
PDF file, 174.8 KB
SHIP Tables 2021-2026
XLSX file, 58.5 KB

Housing Asset Management Plan

We also have a Housing Asset Management Plan, which sets out how we will manage our housing assets. This links closely to the Local Housing Strategy, and also the whole Council's Asset Management objectives:

Housing Asset Management Plan
DOCX file, 4.1 MB

Scottish Government Rural Housing Fund

The Scottish Government launched a £25m Rural Housing Fund to help with the unique housing issues in rural locations. The fund was made available for a five year period from April 2016, and will now be extended beyond March 2021. Locally it applies to class 5 of the Scottish Government rural classifications. This relates to areas with a population of less than 3,000 people which is within a 30 minute drive time from an area of 10,000 people or more.

The fund is open to a wide range of applicants including:

  • Community organisations
  • Development trusts
  • Private landowners and developers
  • Private developers

Applications from individuals are not acceptable. Eligible projects must:

  • Have a specific site or properties identified
  • Demonstrate evidence of housing pressure
  • Be supported by the Council
  • Be prepared to undertake appropriate community engagement
  • Be able to provide long term affordable housing

Guidance on the Fund is available from the Scottish Government.

Alternatively, please contact the Strategy and Development Team by email at strategic.housing@falkirk.gov.uk or by telephone on 01324 590803 for further information.