Housing cash bid made by council

Oct 22 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

COUNCIL chiefs are bidding for Government cash to build new homes in West Lothian.

The local authority has submitted their bid for more Scottish Government cash to fund homes as part of the second phase of the new-build housing programme.

Twenty-six of 248 new homes currently being built in phase one have already been completed, and allocated to existing tenants.

And plans are in place to deliver close to 500 new homes in phase two.

West Lothian was awarded the largest grant of any council of £3.73 million in the first round, and is hoping to secure an even larger share of the £25 million available in round two.

Frank Anderson, Executive councilor for services to the community, said: “We have put in a strong submission to the Scottish Government for a further share of the available funding.

“Delivering quality new homes for rent is a key priority of the local authority.”