North Lanarkshire to benefit from additional Empty Homes Officers
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has welcomed the announcement that North Lanarkshire will benefit from additional Empty Homes Officers.
Additional Scottish Government funding, delivered through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership in 2025-26, will see councils across Scotland, including North Lanarkshire Council, take a more proactive and targeted approach to tackling local housing issues.
The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, which is supporting the rollout, has confirmed that nine councils, including North Lanarkshire, are on board and recruitment is underway.
Ms Adamson said: 'With the housing emergency affecting communities across North Lanarkshire, I'm proud to see our SNP Government delivering vital investment to turn around empty homes for those in my constituency.
'This investment will directly benefit families here in Motherwell and Wishaw, where the need for housing is urgent and growing.
'While Labour talks about the housing crisis, the SNP is delivering real solutions. In contrast to Labour's lack of a credible housing plan, this is yet another example of the SNP putting people first and using the powers of government to make a difference.
'By recruiting dedicated officers to bring these properties back into use, we are helping to address the housing crisis head-on and ensure more people have a place to call home.
'This investment from the SNP Government shows real leadership and a commitment to long-term solutions and tackling the housing emergency.'
Figures show that over 43,000 homes across Scotland have been empty for more than six months, with nearly three-quarters vacant for over a year. Since 2010, more than 11,000 homes have been brought back into use thanks to the work of local Empty Homes Officers.
However, Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, was quick to point out that the local authority are covering half the costs in partnership with the Scottish Government.
He said: 'Tackling empty homes has been a long-standing priority for the council.
'We already have an Empty Homes Officer in place who works directly with owners of private empty properties to help bring them back into use.
'The funding announced by the Scottish Government will only cover half the cost of adding a second officer, and only for the next two years.
'The council is funding the other half, so it's disappointing that the MSP hasn't recognised the council's strong commitment to addressing this issue.'
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