Appendix 1 – Local Housing Strategy (LHS) 2022-2027 Annual Progress
Perth and Kinross Council · 30 September 2026
Back to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee — 30 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PKC - GENERAL Appendix 1 Perth and Kinross Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Annual Progress Report for 2025-2026
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 2 PKC - GENERAL Perth and Kinross Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Annual Progress Report for Year 4 The Local Housing Strategy (LHS) 2022-2027 sets out Perth and Kinross’ five-year plan for the direction and delivery of housing for the area. Scottish Government Guidance states that local authorities must review LHS actions annually in order to evidence progress on how the LHS is implementing its priorities and plans within the five-year period. This is the fourth annual progress update to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee in implementing the strategy and covers Year 4 (2025/26). The aim of the LHS 2022-2027 is: To achieve this vision and realise the wider ambitions set out in the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan 2022-2032, the four LHS priorities are: Within each LHS Priority there are a series of detailed Outcome Action Plans which set specific actions with timescales, resources, and partner responsibilities. The LHS Delivery Group continues to co-ordinate, monitor and guide implementation and delivery, and evaluate the impact of housing led activity, partnership, and investment. The LHS Action Plan, activities and targets will be reviewed annually to ensure services and partners are able to respond flexibly to changes in need across Perth and Kinross.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 3 PKC - GENERAL Achievements Priority 1: Providing more affordable homes to support liveable and sustainable communities In 2025 / 2026: ▪ Delivered a total of 239 affordable homes including 228 for social rented housing, and 11 for mid-market rent. ▪ Delivered 24 Council new build homes and supported the completion of 86 new build affordable homes in partnership with RSLs across four developments. ▪ Delivered new supply across the Perth and Kinross area, both in urban 62% and rural 38% areas and 9 affordable homes on one brownfield site. ▪ Purchased 116 buybacks to increase the Council’s housing stock and exceeded target of 40 properties due to increased budget capacity and a sharp focus on reducing housing pressures. ▪ Brought back 11 empty homes for people in need of accommodation through the Empty Homes Initiative (EHI). ▪ Supported the completion of 7 Housing Needs Assessments in rural areas. ▪ Continued to promote our first Self-Build Register with 47 expressions of interested registered to date. ▪ Undertook statutory consultation for planning policy to be developed through LDP3 for Short Term Let (STL) control areas, with results contributing to Elected members voting to complete the statutory process (and submit to Scottish ministers for approval).
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 4 PKC - GENERAL Achievements In 2025 / 2026: ▪ Continued to develop our Home First model with a focus on building resilience in the face of increased demand, minimising the need for temporary accommodation and supporting people to have successful tenancies through our Property Ready Fund and the provision of housing support. ▪ Supported 171 positive asylum decisions including 157 being offered housing advice, 25 offered social housing, and 48 former asylum seekers and refugees accessing PRS housing. ▪ Supported 62 households in the PRS to sustain their tenancies and prevent homelessness and hardship. ▪ Supported 1319 households to sustain their tenancy through our Tenancy Sustainment Fund, Financial Inclusion Project and Think Yes budget. ▪ Retendered the Floating Housing Support Service to include the option for different levels of support, including those with high support needs. ▪ Continued to deliver positive outcomes for people experiencing homelessness despite increase demand. The length of time spent in temporary accommodation and the overall duration of homelessness has been maintained at a level close to our previous sector leading performance. Priority 2: Providing a range of housing options that people can easily access, afford and keep
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 5 PKC - GENERAL Achievements Priority 3: Delivering housing for people with varying needs In 2025 / 2026: ▪ Invested £561,108.30 following OT assessment in 88 major and 346 minor adaptations for local authority tenants. ▪ Supported 167 major adaptations for private tenants and homeowners through our Care and Repair Scheme. ▪ Matched 6 referrals to various supported and bespoke accommodation through our Independent Living Panel (ILP) for individuals with long-term support needs. ▪ Delivered one new build project for independent living needs in Crieff with RSL partner Hillcrest Homes. ▪ Established a new Complex Housing Solutions Panel to support those whose needs cannot be met through standard housing routes. ▪ The TEC Programme through the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) continued to support people to live safely and independently at home through Community Alarm and Telecare and launched a new Health and Social Care website ▪ RSL Partners delivered 9 wheelchair accessible properties and 10 adapted properties through our new build programme. ▪ Completed significant improvement works at Double Dykes Gypsy / Traveller site with 20 new energy efficient chalets, complete with air source heat pumps and solar PV.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 6 PKC - GENERAL Achievements Priority 4: Delivering quality homes with affordable warmth, zero emissions and SMART technology In 2025 / 2026: ▪ PKC approved procurement of a Strategic Energy Partner (SEP) which will support delivery of projects identified through LHEES and Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), helping to achieve key strategic objectives relating to carbon reduction, fuel poverty and energy resilience. ▪ Increased our work with SCARF to deliver our Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT) service, providing free and impartial energy efficiency advice to over 900 households which resulted in savings for residents, reductions in carbon emissions and removed some residents from fuel poverty. ▪ Improved the energy efficiency of 49 properties within our existing Council housing stock through replacement of electric storage heaters with high heating retention. ▪ Delivered 16 new build properties which all will benefit from air source heat pumps and 4 will also benefit from installation of solar PV panels. ▪ RSL partners have improved the condition of existing stock through installation of 114 PV panels and replacement of 31 electric storage heaters with high heating retention. ▪ RSL partners have delivered 32 properties with electric storage heating and 7 with air source heat pumps. ▪ £931,308 invested in communal repairs for homeowners through our Missing Shares service. ▪ Delivered fibre to 86 new build properties in partnership with RSLs.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 7 PKC - GENERAL Considerations for Future LHS (2028-2032) The Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency in May 2024. A number of factors continue to present challenges to the delivery of LHS priorities. These issues will be considered during the development of the next LHS and, where appropriate, will inform priorities and actions for 2026/27. Delivering on priorities within a national housing emergency landscape The strategy has had to adjust, and it will be a consideration of the new LHS to review the increasing demand and complex need within an increasingly constrained development context. The housing landscape has become extremely challenging with an intricate mix of supply and demand pressures and socio-economic factors driving an increase in the proportion of people whose only realistic housing option is social housing. This places a focus on ensuring that there is a resilient housing system in Perth and Kinross. Housing affordability pressures Affordable housing need will continue to increase in Perth and Kinross through rising levels of homelessness, the cumulative shortfall of past AHSP delivery relative to estimated need; inflation in housing and rental prices, particularly in the PRS. Alongside this, the new LHS will also have to consider the continued growth in the number of households, while there is a continued decline in the average household size as our population continues to grow older. Housing supply challenges, rising development costs and funding uncertainty New housing supply in both the private and social sector has fallen, with one of the most significant factors affecting the delivery of new homes is the continued increase in construction costs, which is impacting the viability of housing projects across all tenures. This is also contributing to greater uncertainty around viability of a scheme and is expected to continue. In addition, there is uncertainty of the level of financial support that will be available from the Scottish Government beyond the published RPA’s announced via Affordable Housing Supply Programme. Slowing housing delivery across the construction sector The residential construction sector has experienced a general slowdown, affecting the overall rate of housebuilding. This has reduced the number of affordable homes being delivered through larger mixed-tenure developments. Challenges in rural areas These factors have a more pronounced impact in rural communities, where development viability is often more challenging and access to grant funding can be limited. Rural projects may also face difficulties in attracting contractor interest due to geographic location and smaller development scales. Balancing quality standards and affordability Housing projects are developed with the costs associated with meeting Building Standards and the Council's Design Guide requirements fully reflected within viability assessments. While these standards support higher quality homes, improved accessibility, and greater energy efficiency, they can add to development costs in an already challenging market. As further projects are delivered, there may be opportunities to review how design standards can continue to achieve high-quality, accessible and sustainable homes while supporting development viability and affordability.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 8 PKC - GENERAL Temporary accommodation pressures The proportion of people presenting as homeless who require temporary accommodation has increased during the life of the current LHS. This has created extreme challenges in managing temporary accommodation and, whilst Perth and Kinross have not breached its statutory duties, temporary accommodation has reached capacity within most of this period. The next LHS will need to ensure prevention work continues to adapt to these challenges through additional resources, alongside an increase in affordable housing supply and to ensure continuous availability of temporary accommodation. Increasing housing tenure choice There is a need to ensure that a wider range of housing tenures is available across Perth & Kinross Council-led developments, Registered Social Landlord projects, and larger private sector housing sites. A broader tenure mix can increase housing choice, support the creation of balanced and sustainable communities, and help meet a wider range of housing needs. It may also assist in reducing pressure on the Common Housing Register and provide more flexible housing options for households experiencing, or at risk of, poverty. Supporting energy efficiency and net zero objectives Consideration should be given to strengthening support, advice, and awareness around domestic energy use and energy efficiency. There may also be opportunities to align future housing initiatives with projects emerging through the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) processes. Improving resilience to flooding and climate change There is an opportunity to further promote the role of homeowners in managing and reducing local flood risk. This could include encouraging routine property maintenance, such as gutter clearance, and the use of permeable materials in gardens and driveways.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 9 PKC - GENERAL Priorities for 2026-2027 This section demonstrates our key priorities as we enter the final year of the LHS. We are progressing these actions in order to build on progress made since 2022 to continue to help meet housing need, to support people to have increased awareness and access to suitable housing options, and to enable people to live independently and benefit from homes which meet energy efficiency ambitions: Priority 1 • Accelerate delivery of our affordable housing programme of 1,050 homes over the five year LHS period, through our Strategic Housing Investment Plan and actions to build the affordable housing land supply. • Continue to progress our buyback enhanced target of 50 for the coming year • Deliver 50% affordable homes through brownfield regeneration and change of use for vacant properties • Continue to support delivery of local Housing Need Assessments and Community-led projects in rural areas. • Seek opportunities to deliver a wider range of affordable housing options e.g. intermediate housing, LCHO and affordable self-build. Priority 2 • Continue to develop and improve tailored debt advice and welfare assistance to households across Perth and Kinross. • Explore potential projects to deliver key worker housing in Northern Perthshire. • Continue to work with partners to offer housing and support options to refugees in line with national dispersal and resettlement programmes and arrangements. • Increase engagement with private landlords in Perth and Kinross to improve awareness of proposed PRS reforms and investment regarding energy efficiency measures.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 10 PKC - GENERAL Priorities for 2026-2027 Priority 3 • Develop dementia-friendly design for social rented new build developments through our Design Guide. • Ensure planning policy, placemaking and housing investment contribute to health and wellbeing, particularly through development in rural areas in partnership with RSLs and HSCP. • Contribute to enabling greater tenure choice and avoid crisis interventions at a later stage by testing development of flexible tenure models for older households. • Progress core and cluster projects through Independent Living Panel. • Take account of workforce capacity, transport and accessibility issues and site locations in preparation of LDP3. Priority 4 • Support implementation of LHEES Delivery Plan to improve energy efficiency across all tenures. • Build an understanding of the current and future skills and training requirements of the construction sector to deliver quality homes. • Continue to build new affordable housing to enhanced energy efficiency standards and encourage private developers to do so too. • Take action to ensure that landlords and households are resilient to possible effects of climate change and flooding. • Develop and deliver exemplar pilot projects that incorporate net zero planning across a range of sectors.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 11 PKC - GENERAL LHS Outcome 1: Providing more affordable homes to support liveable and sustainable communities Supporting National Priorities, Plans and Targets and links to Corporate Plan and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan: Tayside HNDA 2022, Perth and Kinross Housing Supply Targets 2022+, Planning Advice Note (PAN) 2/2010: Affordable Housing and Land Audits, Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), ‘A Place to Stay, A Place to Call Home: a Strategy for the Private Rented Sector in Scotland’, Public Health Priority, Scotland’s National Performance Network, Creating Places – A Policy Statement on Architecture and Place for Scotland, Designing Streets, Green Infrastructure: Design and Placemaking, Planning Advice Note 77: Designing Safer Places, Community Empowerment Act 2015, Place Standard, Town Centre First Principle, National Planning Framework 4, National Transport Strategy 2. Action No. Action(s) and Commitments for Outcome Delivery Baseline Indicator or Measure Milestone Target / End Point Action Lead / Coordinator Progress 2025-2026 1.1 Deliver PKC’s affordable housing programme of 1,050 homes over the next five years 800 affordable homes (Target in LHS 2016- 2021) Urban (53%) / Rural (47%) split Affordable housing completions Monitor the Urban / Rural split to ensure representative distribution • Achieve an average of 210 affordable housing completions each year • 70% Social Rent (735/1050) • 30% other affordable tenure (315/1050 - LCHO, MMR, Self-Build) • Maintain 53% / 47% split across urban and rural areas 2027 Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) Registered Social Landlords (RSL) There were 239 affordable housing completions: New Supply 2025 / 2026 PKC New Build 24 RSL New Build 86 Buybacks* 116 HRA Purchase** 2 Empty Homes as reported in 1.2 11 Total 239 Tenure Social Rent 228 (95%) MMR 11 (5%) Empty Homes for MMR 0 LCHO 0 Total 239 Locality Split Urban 62% Rural 38%
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 12 PKC - GENERAL *Please note that a proportion of Buybacks will have sitting tenants and therefore would not be counted as new tenancies. Further work will be progressed to explore the impact of buybacks in the future. **2 properties previously owned by the National Trust for Scotland in Dunkeld were purchased by PKC using funding from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Scottish Government Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) comprises a range of funding mechanisms to enable affordable housing providers to deliver homes for social rent, mid-market rent, and low-cost home ownership to support the LHS. AHSP funding allocated to RSLs per year is higher than funding allocated to PKC, which results in more RSL new build completions than PKC. Further localised targets for both urban and rural areas will be reflected in the SHIP report in September 2026. 1.2 Develop an Empty Homes Action Plan Current Empty Number of empty homes • Develop evidence base to Ongoing Tourism, Culture and Place 89 properties (included in this is 11 Empty Homes) brought back into use
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 13 PKC - GENERAL which targets investment in areas where housing pressure is evidenced Homes evidence Current pressure analysis and local housing systems analysis brought back into use demonstrate areas of housing pressure • Consultation with stakeholders and partners on action plan development • Develop and implement action plan Under Review Under Review Housing (Martin Smith) through a variety of grants and initiatives. The Empty Homes Initiative Grants are distributed to enable long-term empty properties to be brought up to the Repairing Standard and used again as affordable housing as outlined in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. Grants of up to £7,500 per bedroom are available and are awarded on a discretionary basis, subject to availability. This funding is separate from the Scottish Government Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding as reported in 1.1. The Empty Homes Initiative is effective and is considered an exemplar model within Scotland. It is not currently clear what value an Action Plan or Strategy would have but this is being kept under review. 1.3 Maximise the potential to generate more homes through brownfield regeneration which encourages mixed developments and change of Vacant and Derelict Land Register Housing Land Audit Number of completions on brownfield regeneration sites Number of homes created as a result of use for vacant properties • Develop a register of potential brownfield regeneration sites • Develop a register of potential sites that would be suitable as housing subject to change of use 2023 2023 Ongoing Planning, Transport and Housing Strategy (Brenda Murray) Tourism, Culture and Place There were 9 affordable completions on 1 brownfield site. See Action 3.3 for further detail. The Urban Capacity and Brownfield Study continue to progress and inform the Vacant and Derelict Land Register and PKC acquisitions.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 14 PKC - GENERAL use for vacant properties • Evaluate sites in line with SHIP criteria • Carry out feasibility studies as required • Deliver 50% affordable homes through brownfield regeneration and change of use for vacant properties Ongoing 2027 Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) 1.4 Seek opportunities to deliver a wider range of affordable housing options e.g., intermediate housing, LCHO and affordable self-build etc. Average number of completions for each tenure per annum Number of homes delivered by each tenure • Carry out feasibility studies • Identify and develop partnerships to deliver wider range of affordable housing options • Establish a Self- Build Register and identify self-build opportunities using the Development Management process. • Increase range of affordable housing options in rural areas working in partnership with private estates, landowners, developers, funders, and local communities Ongoing Ongoing Completed 2023 Ongoing Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) Registered Social Landlords • Seven HNAs completed in Kinloch Rannoch, Strathardle, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Comrie and Blair Atholl • Self-Build Register with 47 expressions of interest registered to date. • Ongoing discussions with eight landowners / estates to date to increase affordable housing in rural areas. • Further affordable housing-led regeneration feasibility planned for Perth City in 2026-27. • Development work progressing with seven further community-led affordable housing projects applications. • Pitlochry Property Asset Review - Rationalisation of property assets for co-location resulting in 3 viable affordable housing sites for
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 15 PKC - GENERAL • Undertake a targeted Housing Needs Assessments Programme (HNAP) in rural settlements where tackling a lack of AH has been identified as a priority in Community Action Plans (CAPs) • Work in partnership with rural housing specialists to enable Community Development Trusts to secure subsidy from Scottish Land Fund (SLF) and Rural Housing Fund (RHF), private and other funding sources to develop community-led housing projects • Aim to deliver, via a community-led approach, up to 100 new affordable homes of various types and tenures that reflect HNAP outputs, to be delivered to Design Ongoing Ongoing 2027 redevelopment released within 2- 3 years. • Revised Disposal of Land and Buildings Policy to underpin corporate priorities for affordable housing.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 16 PKC - GENERAL Guide Standard over the period of the strategy 1.5 Continue to develop partnership working to ensure collaborative investment approach towards locality leadership and place planning processes through Community Action Plans and Local Place Plans Existing community planning structures Current partnership projects Collaborative approaches to investment developed Joint projects identified and progressed • Develop and implement capacity building opportunities to support master planning, delegated decision making and budget management • Develop clear definitions for lifetime 20-minute neighbourhoods that enable partners, stakeholders, and investors to pursue placemaking which improves connectivity through investment in physical, social, and digital infrastructure • Evaluation of existing structures to identify opportunities that will empower local teams to make a difference within their communities Ongoing 2026 2027 Tourism, Culture and Place Place Strategies (Nicola Sworowski) A Call for Sites ran from April to July 2025 that gave communities, developers, landowners, and other interested parties the opportunity to help shape the new LDP3 by promoting land for potential development. The sites submitted can be viewed on the map: LDP3 Call for Sites Submissions (2025). Work has taken place to assess all the 260- sites received alongside the existing LDP2 allocations not yet built out, urban capacity sites and Perth Development Framework sites.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 17 PKC - GENERAL 1.6 Embed the values of the Perth and Kinross Offer to ensure investment and commitment across Services to develop and deliver the LHS Action Plan Existing structures and groups Demonstrate delivery of Perth and Kinross Offer • Develop and improve existing structures to pursue innovation in placemaking, master planning, construction innovation and housing design • Develop collaborative partnerships which test innovation in housing design and modern methods of construction 2023 Ongoing Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) Quarterly newsletters providing updates on LHS progress have been circulated online to stakeholders and elected members between April 2025 and March 2026. 1.7 Planning policy to be developed through LDP3 where appropriate for Short Term Let (STL) control areas Number of Short Term Lets by postcode district and HMA Outcome of analysis of impact of STLs on Housing Pressures, House Price, PRS, ASB, Community, Amenities and Facilities, Tourism, Economy • Complete feasibility study in relation to STL Control Area • Community Consultation • Local Development Plan Policy to be developed and implemented where appropriate for STL Control Areas Completed 2023 Completed 2025 2026 Place Strategies (Nicola Sworowski) Formal Statutory Consultation on the proposed STL Control Area took place between 28th October and 22nd December 2025. 214 respondents (76%) were in support of the proposal, 21% were not and 3% were undecided. The results of the statutory consultation on the proposed STL Control Area in Northern Perthshire were reported to Full Council on 17th June 2026. Elected members voted to complete the statutory process and submit the proposal to Scottish Ministers for approval. 1.8 Pursue a pro- active master planning LDP2 and Housing Land Audit Master Plans in place • Use placemaking principles to engage urban and rural Ongoing Place Strategies The LDP3 has progressed with the Evidence Report passing through Gate Check. Work on the Proposed
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 18 PKC - GENERAL approach to assist development of planning and development frameworks and use powers where necessary to acquire land and property landowners, developers, and providers • Identify opportunities and adopt Master Planning approach to effective land supply where appropriate Ongoing (Nicola Sworowski) Estates Plan is on-going and will incorporate masterplans for development sites. The New Build Delivery Group consisting of Housing, Housing Strategy and Property colleagues continues to identify and consider potential sites for affordable housing- led redevelopment, including use of public-sector assets, and engaging with urban and rural landowners and developers. LHS Outcome 2: Providing a range of housing options that people can easily access, afford, and keep Supporting National Priorities, Plans and Targets and links to Corporate Plan and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan: Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan, Equally Safe -Scotland’s Strategy for Preventing and Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls and the Equally Safe Delivery Plan, Perth and Kinross Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan, Scottish Social Housing Charter. Action No. Action(s) and Commitments for Outcome Delivery Baseline Indicator or Measure Milestone Target / End Point Action Lead / Co-ordinator Progress 2025-2026 2.1 Continue to develop and improve tailored debt advice and welfare assistance to households across Perth and Kinross to maximise financial inclusion Existing services Number of households assisted Services Provided Households assisted Income generated via assistance • Review existing services provided and develop promotional opportunities to raise awareness of these Ongoing Welfare Rights (Nicola Sutherland) Housing (Mark Weir) • Tenancy Sustainment Fund provided 591 households with a financial payment towards their rent arrears balance. The total budget was £220K. • Financial Inclusion Project delivered by CAB supported a total of 547 families with a financial gain for those referred of £672,778. • Our Think Yes budget supported a total of 181 households with a spend of
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 19 PKC - GENERAL £28,175. This £30k fund is used by Locality Housing Teams to provide assistance in meeting the costs of moving into a new home and the one-off unexpected costs. The spend for this fund in 2026-2027 has agreed to be increased to £60K due to the ongoing need for assistance. • Supported 62 households in the PRS to sustain their tenancies through the Private Sector Sustainment Fund with a spend of £68,286. 2.2 Develop a range of options that achieve a better match of households to homes Current options New and improved options available • Review mutual exchange process and raise awareness • Review and enhance the tenant incentive scheme to encourage tenants of large properties to downsize 2023 2024 Housing (Martin Smith) Registered Social Landlords Preparatory work has continued to support the future implementation of the Tenant Downsizing Scheme. A key factor in the success of the scheme is the availability of attractive alternative housing options, particularly smaller and accessible homes. Ongoing investment in new affordable housing, buybacks and regeneration activity is helping to broaden this choice and create the conditions necessary to support greater housing mobility, improve the use of existing stock and increase the availability of larger homes for families on the housing register.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 20 PKC - GENERAL Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee considered the introduction of a Mid-Market Rent (MMR) development by PKC which is now progressing. 2.3 Review existing evidence base and consider feasibility of Build to Rent models to deliver high quality, energy efficient market rent options Existing Build to Rent Models Review and feasibility study complete • Complete review • Carry out feasibility study and evaluate findings 2024 2024 Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) The review identified Build to Rent as a form of private market rent (PRS) that could be a positive contributor to more diverse market tenures. Although the regulatory context has been resolved in favour of BTR, investment activity is currently low due to increased construction costs. Officers will monitor the national context and support opportunities in Perth and Kinross for developments in the future. 2.4 Continue to work with partners to offer housing and support options to refugees in response to national dispersal and resettlement programmes Existing housing and support provision Current national dispersal and resettlement programmes Number of refugees provided with accommodation and support • Continue to respond and support requirements in relation to national programmes Ongoing Housing (Martin Smith / Jennifer Kent) Support provided is as follows: of 171 positive asylum decisions, 157 were offered housing advice. • 45 engaged with housing advice and 25 were offered social housing, in line with our statutory duties under housing and homelessness legislation. • A further 6 former asylum seekers were rehoused into PRS. • 2 NRPF households (No Recourse to Public Funds) were supported into PRS.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 21 PKC - GENERAL • 42 refugees accessed PRS housing through other national resettlement programmes. 2.5 Enhance personalised transitional housing support to homeless households with moderate to high support needs from temporary or supported accommodation to settled housing Existing house support provision Average number of households with moderate to high needs provided with support per annum Model developed Number of households assisted • Develop and implement model of enhanced personalised transitional housing support 2023 Housing (Martin Smith) HSCP Planning and Commissioning (Scott McGoldrick) While the dedicated Intensive Housing Support Pilot has ended, the lessons learned and outcomes achieved, have been incorporated into the retendered Floating Housing Support Service, which now provides greater flexibility to support people with higher and more complex needs 2.6 Increase engagement with private landlords in Perth and Kinross to improve awareness of proposed PRS reforms and funding options that may be available to invest in energy efficiency measures in PRS homes Current Private Landlord engagement forums and opportunities Information source of reforms and funding options Number of engagement opportunities provided Number of landlords supported Information source developed • Develop and implement framework of engagement opportunities for private landlords • Develop robust information/knowledge hub in relation to reforms and funding options for PRS homes 2024/25 2024/25 Licensing (Debra Gilkison) Housing (Jennifer Kent) Delays to the heat in buildings legislation have meant that engagement about minimum standards (EPC) have not progressed until there is clarity about the direction that this will go in and any associated funding that might be available.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 22 PKC - GENERAL e.g., Home Energy Scotland, interest free loans 2.7 Continue to improve and further develop the Council’s approach to Rapid Rehousing via the Home First model RRTP 2019/2024 Successful delivery of RRTP Housing options, support, and homeless prevention services materials available in range of accessible formats and channels • Work in partnership to deliver RRTP • Lead role in continued development, implementation, and delivery of RRTP • Sustain or improve performance in relation to RRTP locally agreed targets for; o Number of homeless households waiting for an offer of secure accommodation o Average length of stay in temporary accommodation o Average homeless case duration • Provide communication materials in accessible formats to raise public awareness of available of housing options, support, and Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing 2024 Housing (Martin Smith) Against a backdrop of significant national and local housing pressures, including rising demand, affordability challenges and increasingly complex housing needs, Perth and Kinross has maintained a stable level of homelessness presentations. This is a significant achievement and reflects the effectiveness of the Council’s preventative approach, strong partnership working and continued focus on providing timely housing advice, support and sustainable housing options. The year-to-date position at September 2025 when Scottish Government published the last annual homelessness statistics can be viewed in this Briefing. The Scottish Government has now confirmed that they will not be looking for Local Authorities (LA’s) to update and submit revised RRTP's. It has been agreed to have a Homelessness Statement as an appendix to the next LHS due to be published in May 2028.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 23 PKC - GENERAL homelessness prevention services • Review existing advice and information • Identify communication formats and channels required • Engage with stakeholders to understand requirements • Develop and implement improved materials, formats, and channels of communication 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 LHS Outcome 3: Delivering housing for people with varying needs Supporting National Priorities, Plans and Targets and links to Corporate Plan and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan: Public Health Priority, National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes, 2022 Tayside HNDA, Good Mental Health for All, Keys to Life, Age, Home and Community –The Next Phase, Scottish Strategy for Autism, Race Equality Action Plan, Site Standards -Scottish Government guidance on minimum sites standards and site tenants' core rights and responsibilities, Scottish Social Housing Charter, Improving the lives of Gypsy/Travellers 2019-21, Foundations for well-being: Reconnecting Public Health and Housing, Perth and Kinross Council Housing Contribution Statement, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Plan 2019-2022 / 2020-25, Perth and Kinross Sustainable Inclusive Homes Net Zero Carbon Design Guide 2023, Perth and Kinross Care and Repair and Scheme of Assistance. Action No. Action(s) and Commitments for Outcome Delivery Baseline Indicator or Measure Milestone Target / End Point Action Lead / Coordinator Progress 2025-2026 3.1 Ensure planning policy, placemaking and housing investment Local Development Plan Delivery of SHIP including Independent Living projects • Prepare LDP3 • Prepare and adopt PKC Mobility Strategy • Encourage the pre- planning of PKC's 2028 Complet ed 2024 2023 Property / Housing (Nicola Lennon / Martin Smith) • The Delivery Plan Scheme was updated in April 2026 to reflect a shift in timescale. The Proposed Plan is now scheduled for a Full Council
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 24 PKC - GENERAL programmes contribute to improved and sustainable homes, outdoor space, health, and wellbeing for all households including those with varying needs Number of Care and Repair Services Adaptations SHIP completions Common Allocations Policy Delivery Care and Repair Delivery of Adaptations Housing Options advice and assistance provided PKC New Build Design Guide property adaptations at the void stage to enable early management of adaptations budgets and programme • Effective review, referral, prioritisation, and promotion of Occupational Therapy (OT) provision for all tenures to support the delivery of property adaptations. • Review Allocation Policy and Procedures • Develop and implement Dementia Friendly design for social rented newbuild developments • Develop information, advice, and support in relation to provision of housing and related services for older people and those with dementia which enhance independence • Engagement with developers to encourage more wheelchair accessible homes delivered Complet ed 2024 Complet ed 2024 2024 2024 2025 HSCP / Independent Living Panel Place Strategies (Nicola Sworowski) Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) Registered Social Landlords approval in Q4 of 2026/27 but is still currently on schedule for an adoption by May 2028 (deadline set by Scottish Government). • Invested £561,108.30 in PKC Adaptations: 346 PKC Minor Adaptations and 88 PKC Major Adaptations • Completed 153 major adaptations and 13 modular ramps through Care & Repair with an annual spend of £731,403.94 for major adaptations and £37,644.42 for small repairs. Please note that this is the maximum available budget for Care & Repair, as demand for adaptations exceeds available budget which results in some cases being held over to the new financial year in order for there to be capacity in the budget. • Carried out 2242 Housing Options advice and assistance interviews. A Complex Housing Solutions Panel was established to provide a multi-disciplinary forum to coordinate, assess, and plan housing solutions for individuals whose needs cannot be met through standard housing routes,
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 25 PKC - GENERAL through the Private Sector. All tenure wheelchair (Private) target to be considered for LDP3 for all sites. • Improvements to Gypsy/Traveller sites including energy efficiency chalets and renewable energy sources. • Contribute to enabling greater tenure choice and avoid crisis interventions at a later stage by testing the development of flexible tenure models and developing a housing options guide for older households and those with dementia 2025 2027 2027 and who require adapted housing. This includes people with combinations of physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health conditions. The panel meets fortnightly with core membership representatives from PKC Housing, OT, Capital Projects & New Build, Housing Strategy, HSCP Social Work, Nursing and OT, and Addictions / Substances Use Services & Criminal Justice. The overall aim of the Panel is to ensure all involved in delivery of housing options and opportunities have an awareness of current complex cases and their requirements to enable matching of properties. Gypsy/Traveller Updates: All 20 chalets at Double Dykes Gypsy/Traveller site have now been replaced with energy efficient chalets, complete with air source heat pumps and solar PV. Water infrastructure works are in the final stages of completion and further site works including the installation of street lighting and surfacing of the existing roadway will then be able to be completed. A Review of Housing for Older People began in November to plan
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 26 PKC - GENERAL for the housing and support needs of the ageing population. As part of this, a multiagency working group was formed which includes key PKC, HSCP and NHS leads. The Review will consider and be informed by: • Current and Future Demand Needs Analysis (Waiting Lists and HNDA) • Current Access into Provision and opportunities for redevelopment • Provision of Support and Technology • Communication & Engagement with current tenants and wider population. 3.2 Continue to improve working relationships, training, collaboration and knowledge exchange on equalities, advice and care and support services to enable independent living across Existing training and collaboration opportunities Existing knowledge exchange Register of information in relation to equalities, advice and Number of ILP meetings and matches Number of joint training opportunities Information/kno wledge hub sharing Number of promotional opportunities to • Ensure all information and advice is available in accessible formats • Review Accommodation Guide to Independent Living • Develop information/knowledge hub of information and advice available • Identify joint training opportunities and support delivery of same Complet ed 2024 Complet ed 2024 Ongoing Ongoing 2027 Independent Living Panel (ILP) ILP met 12 times and matched 6 referrals to various accommodation listed below: • new build supported core and cluster housing • bespoke new build housing • refurbished housing converted into supported accommodation • mainstream housing with support
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 27 PKC - GENERAL Perth and Kinross care and support highlight ILP and Accommodatio n Guide to Independent Living • Identify collaboration opportunities across equalities, care, support, and independent living, carry out feasibility studies where appropriate and delivery of same where outcomes indicate these are required 3.3 Work jointly with agencies to ensure future housing developments address barriers to employment and link to transport and childcare provision in the delivery of person-centred care and support services, with a focus on areas of deprivation and rural communities Current workforce capacity Evidence bases in relation to transport and accessibility issues in remote rural areas 5% Rural communities HSCP Workforce Plan Housing Contribution Statement (HCS) Workforce capacity increased Evidence of improved transport and accessibility Increase in person-centred care and support in areas of deprivation and rural communities Development of Independent Living projects • Progress core and cluster projects through Independent Living Panel which provide additional staff base / office space, and explore inclusion of other communal spaces • Scope, develop and implement use of outreach and digital services • Engage HSCP and Third Sector in promotion of PKC Mobility Strategy • Update Housing Contribution Statement (HCS) • Work with delivery partners to ensure that all new affordable Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing 2024-25 2027 Place Strategies (Nicola Sworowski) Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) HSCP (Zoe Robertson) Independent Living Panel (ILP) Transportation and Development (Matthew Davis) Project completed by Hillcrest Homes at Ryan Place in Crieff in May 2025. It was built on the site of a former care home deemed unsuitable for future use and subsequently demolished. The new build consists of 9 self-contained flats across ground floor and first floor levels, with one of the flats being a 24/7 on-site staff base. Each of the homes faces onto a large open plan communal garden space. The project will enable the move of several residents previously living in other accommodation that did not suit their changing needs. Support will be provided through Hillcrest Futures who are well established in the area. Progressing 1 project included in the SHIP for 2027-28 which will
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 28 PKC - GENERAL PKC New Build Design Guide Implementation / Adoption of PKC New Build Design Guide Implementation of PKC Mobility Strategy homes meet standards set out in 4.1 External Spaces of PKC Net Zero Design Guide/Perth and Kinross Standard 2023. • Take account of workforce capacity, transport and accessibility issues and site locations in preparation of LDP3 and 20 min neighbourhood analysis 2027 Registered Social Landlords consist of 8 homes for independent living to be located in Aberfeldy. Mobility Strategy implementation update: The Council’s Public Transport Transformation Project Steering Group is reviewing bus powers available to PKC and options for future bus network provision, which has the potential to meaningfully improve access to employment and services. The Outline Business Case is due to be presented to Full Council in September 2026. A monitoring and evaluation plan has been approved which includes baseline data on the % of the rural population that can access employment, further education and shops by public transport within 30/40/60 minutes Housing Contribution Statement (HCS) now sits within the IJB Strategic Plan 2024-27 on p56-57, with the next update expected in 2028. 3.4 Continue to work collaboratively to promote the benefits, increase Current assistive technology in use within housing Information/kno wledge hub in relation to assistive technology • Develop information/knowledge hub in relation to assistive technology • Consider / create development of Ongoing Complet ed HSCP TEC (Anthony Clark) The HSCP TEC programme continued to support people in Perth and Kinross to live safely and independently at home through Community Alarm and Telecare provision, digital telecare
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 29 PKC - GENERAL awareness and make better use of technology within a housing setting to enable people to live comfortably and independently in their own home Number of households receiving assistive technology Information and advice guide developed ‘showcase’ property to demonstrate assistive technology available • Develop and promote advice and information guide Ongoing infrastructure, and wider awareness of assistive technology. Plans are now underway to centralise the installation and maintenance of the 400+ housing users of telecare with the 4000+ Community Alarm users across PKC, providing an integrated approach to the management and maintenance of telecare alarms. The new Health and Social Care website was launched, improving the quality and accuracy of information available, including the enhanced use of social media. Attended community and NHS events promoting the use of TEC to carers, the cared for, and professional support groups. Engagement was undertaken with Community Alarm, Telecare and Finance colleagues to improve future reporting, asset planning and sustainability of TEC services. 3.5 All affordable homes are built to revised HfVN standard and New Build Design Guide, with a minimum 10% of all affordable Revised HfVN Standards Affordable Completions Average wheelchair Completions built to revised HfVN Standards Wheelchair Completions • 10% wheelchair homes delivered • Determine future targets across all particular requirements through collaboration with key partners and service users (person centred) Ongoing Ongoing Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) Property (Nicola Lennon) • 9 wheelchair completions (9 RSL) • 10 ambulant completions (RSL) • Housing OT undertaken 125 assessments for wheelchair users and 24 people have been rehoused into Council (5) and RSL (19) housing.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 30 PKC - GENERAL homes being built to wheelchair and adaptable standard completions per annum Existing flexible tenure models Need and demand for flexible tenure models Research and testing complete • Test and research flexible tenure models for households with varying needs to create individual housing journeys as their needs and circumstances change • Implementation of revised Housing for Varying Needs (HfVN) standard and New Build Design Guide Ongoing 2027 Registered Social Landlords • See Action 3.1 Ongoing forecasting exercise with Housing and HSCP to determine level of need, including targets through Complex Housing Solutions Panel and ILP. • Whilst PKC submitted a response to the Scottish Government Housing for Varying Needs (HfVN) Proposed Guidance Consultation (extended to Dec 2023), we have been waiting from that point for further guidance or implementation to adopt. 3.6 Consider widening the Buyback Scheme to purchase ‘particular / adaptable homes’ for households with varying needs to ensure existing adapted properties are matched to households with specific requirements Number of households whose needs are currently unable to be met Number of properties purchased to meet identified need Number of households receiving ‘particular / adaptable homes’ that meets their needs • Review scope of Open Market Purchase Scheme to include purchases of ’particular / adaptable homes’ which are non- ex-Council properties • Identify existing adapted properties on open market for sale • Identify existing private sector properties with adaptations • Identify number and location of households whose needs cannot be met through existing social rented 2023 Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Housing Options (Jennifer Kent) Buyback Officer Occupational Therapy The establishment of the Complex Housing Solutions Panel has improved understanding of demand for adapted and specialist housing. Further work is underway to assess how the buyback programme can contribute to meeting identified needs.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 31 PKC - GENERAL stock or by an in-situ solution 3.7 Work with Gypsy/Traveller community members to have a better understanding of their accommodation needs and preferences and explore and develop workable solutions HNDA Specialist Provision Chapter Scottish Government GT Count Local authority GT Information (LA Sites, Unauthorised Encampments etc) Gypsy/Travell er Action Plan Number of engagement opportunities Improved understanding of needs and preferences Workable solutions in place • Continue to review progress of the Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan • Continue to develop engagement opportunities with GT community • Organise engagement events/surveys • Scope out accommodation needs and preferences along with solutions • Pilot delivery of proposed solutions where feasible • Pursue the establishment of a transient site for Gypsy/Travellers Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing 2024-27 2024-27 2027 2027 Housing (Andrea McCallum) Planning, Transport and Housing Strategy (Brenda Murray) Environmental Health (Kirsty Steven) Equalities (David McPhee) The Gypsy Traveller Action Plan continues to be reviewed and updated. Consultants Craigforth with assistance from the Council, undertook site visits to complete in- person questionnaires with participants at Double Dykes and Bobbin Mill. An online survey was also made available for those who preferred to participate online. A total of 36 households participated, both from those in housing and on private sites. 3.8 Continue to improve PKC's central housing database (NEC Housing) with information of all existing property adaptations and accessibility NEC Housing Property Information Improved intelligence gathering and reporting via NEC Housing • Continue to gather intelligence and populate NEC Housing with existing property adaptations and accessibility features • Enhance processes and procedures to ensure that the allocation of properties takes account of Ongoing 2025 Performance and Business (Linda Montgomery) Housing (Jennifer Kent) Work ongoing via the Complex Housing Solutions Panel to identify applicants with specific housing needs which cannot be met through existing stock. Work underway to ensure that these applications can be identified as required. Progress made with IT to develop a totalmobile solution to record voids assessments carried out by the housing OT and to
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 32 PKC - GENERAL features to maximise the use of limited resources and match suitable properties to appropriate households system-based intelligence about adaptations and accessibility features record completed Housing Needs Assessments. LHS Outcome 4: Delivering quality homes with affordable warmth, zero emissions and SMART Technology Supporting National Priorities, Plans and Targets and links to Corporate Plan and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan: Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES), Sustainable Housing: Fuel Poverty and Climate Change Advice Note, Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland Route Map, Fuel Poverty (Targets, Definition, and Strategy) (Scotland) Act 2019, Climate Action Plan (December 2021), Scottish Housing Quality Standard, Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing, Scottish Social Housing Charter, Scottish House Condition Survey, Local House Condition Survey (Council Sector). Action No. Action(s) and Commitments for Outcome Delivery Baseline Indicator or Measure Milestone Target / End Point Action Lead / Co-ordinator Progress 2025-2026 4.1 Support implementatio n of Perth and Kinross Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) Current Projects LHEES Delivery Plan Energy Efficiency of Council housing stock Energy Efficiency of Delivery of Actions within LHEES Delivery Plan • LHEES Delivery Plan Developed • Work in partnership to deliver identified projects and contribute to delivery and implementation of LHEES Delivery Plan • Improving energy efficiency across all tenures by maximising the use of national funding programmes 2023 Ongoing Ongoing Climate Change and Sustainable Development (Divindy Grant / Shelley McCann) In support of LHEES Delivery Plan action to mobilise partners and attract public and private investment, PKC approved procurement of a Strategic Energy Partner (SEP). The SEP will support delivery of pipeline of low- carbon energy projects identified through LHEES and Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), helping to achieve key strategic objectives relating to carbon reduction,
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 33 PKC - GENERAL PRS Properties Current funding opportunities fuel poverty and energy resilience. PKC currently developing business case to inform procurement of a single private-sector SEP. A Board has been established and meets monthly to oversee and progress this work. Working alongside Scottish Futures Trust and legal and commercial advisors, PKC is developing a Strategic Outline Case and defining a clear, deliverable pipeline of projects for the partnership. This builds on significant technical and commercial development work already undertaken by PKC across heat networks and the wider strategic energy programme. In particular, technical studies previously supported through the Heat Network Support Unit (HNSU) have identified a preferred heat network opportunity. The Council is also exploring the development of smaller rural heat networks through the SEP model. This
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 34 PKC - GENERAL approach will enable coordinated delivery and financial bundling of projects, improving their attractiveness to external investors and increasing deliverability at scale. Through the partnership, the Council will leverage its assets, expertise and support services while enabling project delivery through appropriate private- sector partners. The Council has submitted an Expression of Interest to Great British Energy identifying projects for public funding. RSL partners have: • installed 114 PV panels on existing stock. • replaced old electric storage heaters with high heating retention in 31 properties. 4.2 Expand capacity of energy and fuel poverty advice services and improve availability of information on Current information on support services/sign posting in relation to energy efficiency and Improved information and advice Accessibility, format and channels for advice and information • Target advice and support for landlords on how to access sources of funding combined with enforcement of the new standards when they come in Ongoing Ongoing Property / Housing (Nicola Lennon / Jennifer Kent) SCARF In 2025/26, the CC funded Scarf energy advice service was focused on low EPC rated homes (Energy Performance Certificate E, F and G). The scope of this service was to improve energy efficiency ratings by facilitating applications to the
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 35 PKC - GENERAL fuel poverty and energy efficiency measures available to front line staff, service providers and to households most in need property condition Current supports in relation to energy efficiency and property condition Number of households currently accessing information Number of households accessing information and advice • Target income maximisation and fuel poverty support to households living in PRS • Deliver heating and energy efficiency advice and support directly and through partners as aligned with the LHEES • Explore existing data and insight to develop a risk framework to households who are financially vulnerable and offer appropriate support • Develop process to record number of households accessing information and advice Ongoing Ongoing 2024 The HEAT Project Energy Advice Network Child Poverty (Margaret Lynch) Data Services (Ewan Walker) ECO4 scheme. This has significant impacts on removing households out of fuel poverty while also reducing emissions due to retrofitting properties. A total of 1,331 residents were engaged through letters, calls, and community events. The financial cost of the installed measures is estimated to be around £1,256,376. The total 389 home visits delivered personalised, in- home advice, leading to 301 referrals for grants and funding - a 77% conversion rate from visit to action. More specifically, 76 referrals were made to the ECO4 Scheme while 225 referrals were made to the Help4Homes Solar PV installations scheme that was introduced later in the year. Funded installation are delivering £110,972 in annual energy bill savings and 903.3 tonnes of carbon reduction. Additionally, advice provided during home visits, and events is generating an
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 36 PKC - GENERAL additional £95,366 in estimated annual savings and 233.3 tonnes of carbon reduction through improved energy use. In 2025/26, the SCARF Home Energy Advice Team project, funded by Housing & Communities, provided energy advice services to a total of 519 households through Home Visits and remote Home Visits. The advice provided resulted in £168.00 of energy debt being written off and £47,277 of Fuel Bill discounts being received from the Energy Redress Fund; overall, the energy efficiency advice has generated the equivalent saving from fuel bills of £55,131.00. The total energy cost savings from the energy advice has provided £160,852.98 in energy cost savings and a total carbon reduction of 408.45 through a reduction in energy usage. 4.3 Build an understanding of the current and future To be developed To be developed • A number of studies are underway at a national and regional level to review the Ongoing / 2027 Employability (Andy Brown) Housing (Property) Capital Projects & New Builds Team have:
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 37 PKC - GENERAL skills and training requirements to “green” the construction sector to ensure we can deliver quality homes with affordable warmth, zero emissions and SMART technology. Work in partnership with the CITB, local construction companies and training providers including Perth UHI to ensure Perth and Kinross is well placed to provide appropriate re- skilling and training opportunities. Green Skills opportunity and to define what is required for various sectors including construction. Once these have reported and further analysis has been undertaken at a local level more milestones can be determined. Property / Housing (Nicola Lennon / Elaine Ritchie / June McColl) Registered Social Landlords Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) Climate Change and Sustainable Development (Divindy Grant) • installed 17 air source heat pumps within existing housing stock • 49 properties from the existing stock had old electric storage heaters replaced with high heat retention Dimplex storage heating • 12 new properties built in Crieff with ASHP • 4 new builds at Blairgowrie built with solar PV panels integrated into the roof construction and ASHP heating installed. The Property (Housing) Capital Projects & New Builds Team have engaged with Dundee & Angus College and are attending their Quarterly Employers Curriculum/Innovation Steering Group meetings to discuss and consider how to collectively meet the skills demands of Net Zero. This steering group has been set up as part of the Tay Cities Deal. The team have also completed Carbon Literacy
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 38 PKC - GENERAL training provided by inhouse Climate Change colleagues. 4.4 Target investment to homes based on evidence and intelligence gathered Identify existing information (Home Analytics, SHQS sources and information provided) Forthcoming Information sources identified (LHCS, Housing IoT data, 2022 Census, Cold Home App data, etc.) Improved intelligence (Gypsy/Traveller Consultation, energy advisors intelligence etc.) • Identify and quantify existing information sources • Integrate existing and forthcoming information sources • Improve understanding of intelligence available, identify gaps and solutions to address these • Develop a delivery framework, integrating the outputs of the Risk framework in Action 4.2 • Wider policy review update to map national and local policies, targets and strategies that are linked to, impact, or could be impacted by LHS (including LHEES, Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES), LDP, Local Area Energy Plans (LAEP) etc • Align evidence underlying these policies to support 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 Property / Housing (June McColl / Nicola Lennon) Climate Change and Sustainable Development (Divindy Grant / Shelley McCann) Strategic Energy Programme evidence is underpinned through the LHEES and LAEP strategies; the Capital Investment Programme sets out the 30 year plan for investment, but is driven by the requirement to meet Scottish Government targets. Information is collected and fed into the EST Home Analytics platform and the information on improvements to the properties integrates with fuel poverty data to give a wider view of social and economic factors. Capital programme work is also informed by the use of the SAVA Energy Modelling tool which can model different scenarios to investigate the best value options for the social housing properties. Work is ongoing to improve the level of properties with up-to-date EPC's that will better inform the investment in these properties.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 39 PKC - GENERAL policy integration and delivery Programme work continues to develop an agile and reactive Delivery Plan for targeting actions and triaging a pipeline of energy projects through to business case aligned to Regional Energy Strategic Plans and DNO grid investment planning via the Local Energy Network Accelerator (LENZA Platform) Ofgem funded platform. Work to improve energy digital infrastructure and publishing in the Council supported by the Corporate Data Team. Involves data improvements, aggregation, update and publishing including actions to identify data gaps. 4.5 Undertake a review of the Council’s Scheme of Assistance for private homeowners considering legislative changes Scheme of Assistance Number of households assisted annually Average Annual Spend Scheme of Assistance Reviewed Number of households assisted Annual Spend • Review Scheme of Assistance Complet ed 2024 Housing (Martin Smith) Environment al Health (Kirsty Steven) The Missing Shares Service received 63 new enquiries with 31 ongoing from previous years, and 52 enquiries resolved/closed in this period. A total of 10 buildings were supported with Missing Shares Payments in this period resulting in a repair value of £194,088 with a further 13 buildings
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 40 PKC - GENERAL Missing Shares Officer supported with completing repairs with a total value of £144,720 with no Missing Shares required Missing Shares was approved continued use of budget for recoverable spend as the original amount approved at committee for the original pilot term until 23/24 to introduce the service in 2021 has been exceeded in 25/26. The service continues to collect data to support reporting to committee at the end of the extended pilot period in 27/28 to determine future plans for the service. 4.6 Build new affordable housing to enhanced energy efficiency standards and encourage private developers to do so too Newbuild completions (SR and Private) Newbuild completions to Gold Standard (SR and private) LDP Newbuild completions (SR and Private) Increase in newbuild completions to Gold Standard (SR and private) • Implement Design Guide to ensure all new affordable housing meet Gold Standard • Ensure Design Guide continues to meet SG guidance on sustainability standards and principles 2023/24 2027 Property (Nicola Lennon) Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) Completion of 24 PKC affordable housing new builds in 2025/26. These properties were off-the-shelf properties and whilst these homes do not fully meet the Council's enhanced Design Guide standards, they meet current Building Regulations and were acquired following consideration of strategic housing need, value for money and housing supply priorities.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 41 PKC - GENERAL These properties meet current Building Regulations but our Design Guide seeks to exceed these. This is the only reason we were willing to accept them and the Strategic Affordable Housing Board takes the final decision on whether to accept them; our Design Guide notes that we need to meet Gold Standard - the off the shelf properties meet Bronze. RSL partners have: • built 7 properties with air source heat pumps • built 32 properties with electric storage heating 4.7 Work with Scottish Government and other agencies to improve digital infrastructure particularly in rural communities Existing digital connectivity across rural communities Increased number of rural households digitally connected • Explore digital infrastructure opportunities in rural communities Ongoing Economic Development (Kirsty Easton) The Community Learning and Development Team supported 819 learners to improve their literacy and digital skills. Demand for digital learning continues to be high. Consultation on priorities for delivery took place with 3rd sector partners in the Adult Learning Partnership. 4.8 Take action to ensure that landlords and Existing flood and climate change Risk assessment of flooding and climate • Understand existing flood and climate change risks Ongoing Ongoing Structures and Flooding Progress continues through cross-service work to understand flood and climate
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 42 PKC - GENERAL households are housing is resilient to the possible effects of climate change and flooding and makes a positive contribution to reducing the risks and impacts of flooding and climate change in the longer term. position within PKC change in relation to Housing complete Mitigations identified and action plan developed • Identify mitigations and develop and implement action plan • Ensure Design Guide continues to reflect ongoing challenges as a result of climate change Ongoing (Rick Haynes) Housing (June McColl) Scottish Flood Forum change risks affecting homes and communities. Existing flood risk information is being used to inform housing, planning and resilience activity, including promotion of the PKC Property Flood Resilience Grant to support eligible property owners to install measures that help reduce the impact of flooding. Consideration continues to be given to mitigation measures for new and existing homes. 4.9 Develop and deliver exemplar pilot projects that incorporate net zero planning across a range of sectors including fabric first, retro fitting and transport planning etc. Identify potential partners and projects Pilot exemplar projects • Identify potential partners and projects • Explore feasibility of potential projects • Pilot feasible projects and evaluate findings Ongoing Ongoing 2024-27 Property (Nicola Lennon) Housing Strategy (Ronnie MacRae) Pilot project was developed at Glengarry Road, Perth to investigate alternative solutions to energy efficiency in a 4-in-a-block flatted non- traditional construction block of social housing properties. The block was upgraded using a whole-house retrofit approach that combined energy efficiency improvements with full refurbishment. The project addressed poor energy performance by installing enhanced
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 43 PKC - GENERAL insulation, modern heating systems and renewable technologies, enabling the homes to achieve EPC Band B. Alongside improving thermal comfort and reducing energy costs for tenants, the project also trialled different low-carbon heating solutions across the block, generating evidence to inform future investment decisions and supporting wider objectives on carbon reduction, fuel poverty and improving housing quality. The data from these properties is being continually monitored and will be utilised to inform future programmes and develop lessons learned for considering for future projects within a wider delivery programme. 4.10 Set out plans to address any local authority domestic stock where abeyances (delayed works due to human or social SHQS Performance 2021/22 Existing abeyances Existing exemptions Improved SHQS Performance Reduction in abeyances Reduction in exemptions • Develop and implement plan for addressing SHQS abeyances (for social reasons) and exemptions (subject to technical, disproportionate cost Ongoing Property (Nicola Lennon) Registered Social Landlords In 2025/26, although we have continued to make progress, the PKC SHQS compliance rate has remained relatively static at 79.73%, compared with 80.28% in 2024/25, meaning 6,672 homes now meet the SHQS. This represents an improvement
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 44 PKC - GENERAL factors) or exemptions are applied, to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) or legal reasons) in Council stock of 68 properties within a single year, and our housing stock numbers have increased by 142 properties, mainly due to investment in our buyback programme which has had an impact on our progress given the condition and standard of some of properties we are buying back. Data is provided on an annual basis at the time of the ARC return and available to view at the Scottish Housing Regulator Work to address SHQS failures or abeyances is always ongoing; it is part of managing our Council housing stock and can change for various reasons. The information collated for this Action is also provided and monitored as part of the SHQS ARC return submitted at the end of May every year. The majority of our SHQS failures relate to EESSH; we have a planned programme to address the EPC Band E and F properties and have now moved on to also tackling those that are a low
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 45 PKC - GENERAL EPC Band D. There will be some Band E and F properties that we are unable to improve given challenges such as lack of tenant access, reluctance to remove solid fuel heating systems and due to the technical nature of the properties e.g. Listed Building requirements. Proposals for the targeted improvements to the remaining EESSH failures are included within the Business Cases being developed for the Strategic Energy Partner (SEP); it is not anticipated that the SEP will be appointed Mid 2027, therefore the progress on reducing the number of EESSH failures and improving the overall SHQS figure will remain piecemeal and challenging, unless approvals to develop programmes of work are given in advance of the SEP appointment. 4.11 Use the learning from the existing Internet of Pilot learning collated Scaled-up Plan developed • Scaled-up plan approved • Scaled-up plan implemented 2024 2026 Housing (June McColl) The Housing Service also has approximately 379 households with AICO environmental sensors
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 46 PKC - GENERAL Things pilot ‘Monitoring temperature humidity and CO2 in 50 homes to help tenants manage their energy, reduce fuel poverty and maintain their homes well’ with a view to scale it up. Tenant Liaison Officer installed, mainly within multi storey blocks as part of the Capital Multi Storey Refurbishment Project to evidence impact of the measures installed at these blocks. 4.12 Facilitate the delivery of low- cost, high- speed broadband into social housing in partnership with the private sector and investors using fibre infrastructure roll-out. TBD % of social housing with access to gigabit- capable broadband • 10% of social housing by • 25% of social housing by • 50% of social housing by • 60% of social housing by 2024 2025 2026 2027 Economic Development (Kirsty Easton) Registered Social Landlords 86 new build homes delivered by 2 RSL partners (Kingdom HA & Caledonia HA) have been built with fibre to the premises.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 47 PKC - GENERAL Glossary Acronym / Word / Term Definition / Meaning Accessible home Home with additional, non-standard features that meets the needs of the occupier. Affordable home / Affordable housing Scotland’s fourth National Planning Framework defines this as “Good quality homes that are affordable to people on low incomes. This can include social rented, mid-market rented, shared-ownership, shared equity, housing sold at discount (including plots for self-build), self-build plots and low-cost housing without subsidy.” Affordability Rents are considered to be affordable if a household pays no more than 25%-35% of their income on housing costs AHP Affordable Housing Programme AHSP Affordable Housing Supply Programme Ambulant Non-wheelchair adapted housing for people with disabilities ARC Annual Return on the Charter ASB Anti-Social Behaviour ASHP Air Source Heat Pump Below Market Housing Property where the market rent is below the average market rent for the size and location Brownfield Defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as “a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” The term typically describes areas of land that were once used for commercial or industrial purposes such as factories and warehouses. CAB Citizens Advice Bureau CAP Common Allocations Policy CHR Common Housing Register CLH Community Led Housing Projects are where the following three characteristics are in place: 1) Open, meaningful, community participation and consent takes place throughout the process 2. The community groups owns, manages, or stewards the homes in whichever way they decide 3) The housing development is of true benefit either for the local community, a specific group of people (an intentional community), or both. These benefits should be legally protected in perpetuity. Complex Needs As defined by the Scottish Government ‘Coming Home’ Report 2018, this is used to refer to people with learning disabilities who also have one or more of the following: • Severe challenging behaviour (it is noted that this may include behaviour, which is not severe in itself, but becomes severe due to its high frequency) • Forensic support needs • Mental health needs • Autism • Profound and multiple disabilities Core and Cluster Typically, a cluster of 6 to 8 homes for people with independent living needs with a core staff based providing 24/7 shared support. COSLA Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 48 PKC - GENERAL Acronym / Word / Term Definition / Meaning CPP Community Planning Partnership EBI Estate-Based Initiatives EESSH Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing EHI Empty Homes Initiative EPC Energy Performance Certificate EqIA Equalities Impact Assessment EST Energy Savings Trust FIT Feed In Tariff Floating Housing Support services A short-term, flexible, responsive service aimed at enabling vulnerable individuals who are at potential risk of losing their tenancy to live independently or to maximise their independence. GIRFEC Getting it Right for Every Child Greenfield A greenfield site is an undeveloped land that can be used for commercial or residential development. HAG Housing Association Grant HCS Housing Contribution Statement HEAT Home Energy Advice Team commissioned by PKC and provided by SCARF HEEPS-ABS Home Energy Efficiency Programmes Scotland - Area-Based Scheme HES Home Energy Scotland HfVN Housing for Varying Need HHCRO Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation HIBS Heat in Buildings Strategy HLR Housing Land Requirement HMA Housing Market Area HMO House in Multiple Occupation HNDA Housing Need and Demand Assessment Home First model In Perth and Kinross, Home First provides a settled home as a first response when homelessness occurs with the aim of minimising the impact of homelessness for individuals and families, avoiding the stigma, cost, and uncertainty of temporary accommodation where possible. See Advice for people who are or become homeless - Perth and Kinross Council (pkc.gov.uk) HOSA Housing Options Self-Assessment Tool Housing Stock The total number of houses and flats in an area. HRA Housing Revenue Account HSCP Health and Social Care Partnership HST The Housing Supply Target is a policy view of the number of homes PKC has agreed will be delivered in each housing market area over the periods of the Local Development Plan and the Local Housing Strategy. It considers wider economic, social, and environmental factors, issues of capacity, resources, and deliverability. ILP Perth and Kinross Independent Living Panel IOT Internet of Things
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 49 PKC - GENERAL Acronym / Word / Term Definition / Meaning Intermediate Housing Refers to privately rented housing that is below the cost of market rented housing but above the cost of housing for social rent. Sometimes called mid-market rent or below market rent. LAEP Local Area Energy Plans LCHO Low Cost Home Ownership LDP Local Development Plan Learning Disability The keys to life explains this is a significant lifelong condition which is present prior to the age of 18 and which has a significant effect on a person’s development. People with a learning disability will need more support than their peers to: • Understand information • Learning skills and • Lead independent lives LHA Local Housing Allowance LHCS Local House Condition Survey LHEES Local Housing Energy Efficiency Scheme LHS Local Housing Strategy Mainstream Housing General needs housing is housing with no adaptations or particular features and can be of various sizes and types. MAPPA Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements Market Housing Housing in a community which has rent or payment at a rate at or near Average Market Rent Missing Share Local authorities have the power to pay 'missing shares' when 1) one or more owners are unwilling or unable to pay 2) the owner cannot be found after reasonable enquiries 3) it is unreasonable to ask an owner to pay where a minority of owners do not pay their share of common repairs MMR Mid-Market Rent OT Occupational Therapy Out of Area This is when a person with support needs is living within a placement that is not within their own funding authority and could include living in either an NHS or private hospital. Owner-occupied Property which is lived in by people who have bought it rather than people who pay rent PRS Private Rented Sector RHI Renewable Heat Incentive RRTP Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan RSL Registered Social Landlord (Housing Association) RTO Registered Tenant Organisation SCARF Save Cash and Reduce Fuel SDP Strategic Development Plan SDS Self-Directed Support Self-Build Homes built or commissioned by individuals or groups of individuals for their own use. Homes built this way, offer a unique alternative to standard market housing, and offer the opportunity to create innovative, greener, and more affordable homes than currently offered through standard housing options.
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2025-2026 September 2026 50 PKC - GENERAL Acronym / Word / Term Definition / Meaning SG Scottish Government SGN Scottish Gas Networks SHCS Scottish House Condition Survey SHIP Strategic Housing Investment Plan SHQS Scottish Housing Quality Standard. The SHQS was introduced in 2004 and is the main way to measure housing quality in the social rented sector. It is the minimum standard which all social rented properties must meet SHR Scottish Housing Regulator Shared Equity A type of housing tenure where ownership is shared between the occupier and a third party, usually a council or Scottish Government SLES Smart Local Energy Systems SMART technology Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology include sensors and devices, systems and applications that use WiFi and technology to help support with a range of housing related services which can range from everyday practical tasks, independent living, and ensuring the home environment is energy efficient. Social Housing Properties provided by local authorities or Housing Associations which are more affordable than housing on the open market. STLs Short Term Lets Supported Housing This is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of housing- based options for people with support needs. See Accommodation Guide to Independent Living for more info. TEC Technology Enabled Care Tenure Refers to legal method of housing ownership and occupation, for example, owner occupied, private rented, below market rent, shared equity, social rent, shared ownership. ‘All tenure’ refers to all housing assets across the tenure categories listed above VAWP Perth and Kinross Violence Against Women Partnership