A new strategy has been approved after the council declared a housing emergency.

East Renfrewshire Council has approved its 2024-29 Local Housing Strategy (LHS), which sets out the direction for housing and related services across the area.

The plan, titled 'A Welcome Home,' covers all housing sectors including owner-occupied, private rented, and social housing.

The council has undertaken research and consultation in preparing this new strategy to ensure the main issues affecting the housing market are fully captured, allowing the service to shape housing priorities.

The main challenges identified in the strategy are homelessness, house conditions, energy efficiency, and residents' health and support needs.

The strategy's approval comes after the council declared a local housing emergency due to the strains on the homelessness service.

To address this, the LHS pledges to continue collaborating with partners, provide effective support and information, and deliver at least 45 additional affordable homes per year on average over five years.

The council hopes to exceed this target, aiming for 65 affordable homes per year, subject to land and funding availability.

The LHS focuses on themes including ensuring enough homes to rent or buy in required areas, creating homes that meet a lifetime of needs, providing necessary advice and support, and improving the quality of homes and neighbourhoods.

The council also aims to reduce East Renfrewshire's carbon footprint by improving homes and reducing energy usage.

Council leader Owen O’Donnell said: "I’m pleased that our new Local Housing Strategy for the next five years is now in place.

"The vision, priorities, and plan for action reflect the views of our stakeholders on the key issues and how we should tackle these.

"I commend our Housing Service for their efforts in finalising the strategy.

"Our recent local housing emergency declaration highlights the issues we’re facing, but this strategy will play its part in responding to the crisis.

"We remain committed to championing housing matters for all East Renfrewshire residents."

The council's strategy aims to ensure the provision of suitable homes for residents, while addressing the broader issues affecting the local housing market.