Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 - Year Two (2024-25) Progress Update - Report
Renfrewshire Council · 28 October 2025
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 28 October 2025 and its agenda
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 28 October 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 – Year Two (2024/25) Progress Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report presents the second annual progress update of the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028. It highlights progress in the delivery of the five strategic priorities and supporting actions within the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities and Housing Policy Board: 2.1 Notes the progress made in implementing the actions of the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 for the period 2024/25. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 places a duty on local authorities to prepare a five-year local housing strategy which is informed by an assessment of housing provision and related services within the area. 3.2 Renfrewshire’s Local Housing Strategy was approved at the Communities and Housing Policy Board on 31 October 2023. 3.3 The Local Housing Strategy sets out the strategic approach of the Council and its partners to delivering high quality housing and housing related services across all tenures to meet identified housing need in Renfrewshire. It also seeks to provide a clear direction for strategic housing investment.
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PUBLIC 3.4 The Local Housing Strategy links with a number of key plans and strategies for Renfrewshire (e.g. Local Development Plan, Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Plan and the Community Plan). 3.5 The Local Housing Strategy contains five Strategic Priorities that take account of current national and local policy priorities. Progress in delivering the five strategic priorities and related actions within the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 is reported annually to this Board. 3.6 The Local Housing Strategy Year Two (2024/25) Progress Update is contained in Appendix 1. Following consideration by the Board, the Progress Update will be published on the Council’s website. 4. Summary of Delivery 4.1 A summary of progress against each of the Local Housing Strategy Strategic Priorities is set out below. Strategic Priority 1: The supply and delivery of housing is increased across all tenures to meet the housing needs of different groups and create attractive and sustainable places. 4.2 The Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 identified an estimated housing need of 902 new affordable homes over the 5-year period of the strategy. During 2024/25 104 new social rented homes were completed across Renfrewshire, with a total of 310 new affordable homes delivered since the LHS was published 2 years ago. 4.3 Housing association partners and the Council continue to deliver new affordable housing projects as well as acquiring properties from the open market for use as social rented homes. Forward planning discussion for new sites continued with partners and the Scottish Government to ensure an ongoing pipeline of new development projects. 4.4 During 2024/25, planning approval was obtained for new build Council homes at Gallowhill in Paisley and Howwood Road in Johnstone which will deliver 135 council homes across both sites. 4.5 The focus for new build sites is on brownfield and previously used land, with 88% of the current all tenure housing land supply in that category. 4.6 Supporting town centre residential development is a priority of the LHS. Eleven town centre residential sites are identified in the 2024 housing land audit, the development of which will help support town centre living. 4.7 Communities are being supported to develop Local Place Plans through the Council’s Local Place Plan Fund. Nine community groups are currently using this funding to prepare plans for their areas.
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PUBLIC Strategic Priority 2: People live in high quality, well managed homes in sustainable neighbourhoods. 4.8 Paisley Housing Associations’ Orchard Street project started on site in 2024/2025 and will see the refurbishment of 5 poor quality tenement blocks into affordable housing units in a key town centre location. 4.9 The Council’s Housing Regeneration and Renewal programme continued to make good progress during 2024/25. Neighbourhood Renewal Groups were established in Howwood Road, Johnstone, and Aucthentorlie and Howard Street, both Paisley, to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to developing neighbourhood renewal plans that consider wider issues than just housing and the immediate environment, to ensure maximum benefits from housing regeneration are delivered. The rates of financial grant support to owners participating in investment works within regeneration and renewal programmes were increased during 2024/25 to encourage maximum participation. 4.10 Work continues to support private sector owners to take responsibility for their property condition. The Scheme of Assistance which sets out advice and support given to private sector homeowners was updated and approved in May 2024. This included an extension to the successful Missing Shares pilot to include all tenement property types. During 2024/25, 11 missing shares were paid to enable owners in 4 tenement blocks to progress essential repair works. Almost 1,000 private sector owners were provided with advice and assistance on property conditions in 2024/25 and 170 private homeowners were awarded grant support for major capital investment works. 4.11 Where property owners and private sector landlord do not meet required standards, the Council act where appropriate. In 2024/25 this including the granting of a demolition order on a Below Tolerable Standard property in the Tannahilll area of Fergusle, the investigation of 76 privately rented properties and the refusal of registration of 4 landlords. Strategic Priority 3: Address the challenges of the climate emergency, delivering homes that are warm, energy efficient and fuel poverty is minimised. 4.12 Work progresses to support those households most at risk of fuel poverty and to improve the energy efficiency of existing housing. 4.13 The Council’s Energy Advocacy Service support residents of all tenures within Renfrewshire. This includes fuel debt, supplier disputes, priority service provision, supplier switching and energy use. During 2024/25 the service received 610 referrals resulting in £134,340 in savings. 4.14 As of 31 March 2025, 2,670 council homes had external wall insulation retrofitted, up from 1,943 in March 2023 and 582 council homes had solar photovoltaic panels retrofitted, up from 95 in 2023.
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PUBLIC 4.15 Just under £1.6m of funding from the Scottish Government Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Schemes (EES:ABS),was utilised during 2024/25 to support home owners to make energy efficiency improvements such as external wall insulation. 4.16 In relation to new housing, all newbuild affordable homes with a building warrant applied for from 1 April 2024 will meet the Scottish Government New Build Heat Standard. The specification for new build Council homes has been updated to include improved airtightness standards, air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and wastewater recovery. 4.17 Government policy continues to evolve in this area, with an announcement in April 2025 that a revised Heat in Buildings Bill is to be brought to Parliament later in 2025/26, the content of which may influence some of the Local Housing Strategy actions in this area in the future. Strategic Priority 4: Prevention of homelessness and providing support for those in housing need. 4.18 The Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan was extended for a further year into 2025/26 allowing the continuation of established initiatives with a focus on homelessness prevention and provision of a Housing First approach. 4.19 During 2024/25, 658 homeless applicants moved into a social rented tenancy, many of whom were supported by the Council’s Homeless and Housing Support services. 4.20 Homelessness pressures continued throughout 2024/25 and to help ease this pressure Registered Social Landlords supported an increase in their lets to homeless applicants, to 207 lets (compared to 171 in 2022/23). The Council also increased the number of lets to homeless applicants to 451. Temporary accommodation provided by the both the Council and Registered Social Landlords increased with a current supply of 291 at September 2025, which is helping Renfrewshire to meet the legal duty to provide temporary accommodation for everyone who requires it. 4.21 During 2024/25, the Housing (Scotland) Bill made its way through parliamentary processes. This proposed a new “Ask and Act” duty in relation to homelessness prevention which would place duties on certain public bodies to prevent people from losing their homes by asking about their housing situation and taking action. Strategic Priority 5: People can live independently for as long as possible in their own home and the different housing needs of people across Renfrewshire are being met. 4.22 The provision of the right type of home and aids and adaptions can help people stay independent in their own home. During 2024/25, 555 adaptation jobs were completed in private sector and council homes.
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PUBLIC Care and Repair Renfrewshire completed 558 repair jobs through their Small Repairs Service for older and disabled people, ensuring a safe living environment. 4.23 Of the 104 new affordable homes delivered in 2024/25, 7 were fully wheelchair accessible. Joint working between the Council and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership continues in relation to specialist housing requirements to explore where this can be met be met through the delivery of new build development in the Strategic Housing Investment Plan. 4.24 The Council continues to support refugees, and during 2024/25 a new post of Health and Wellbeing Coordinator was created within the Resettlement Team to further develop, promote, and deliver a variety of health, wellbeing and integration based activities and events. The Resettlement Team currently support 244 refugee households across Renfrewshire. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – The financial implications of implementing this strategy are incorporated into the Council and the Housing Revenue Account plans. No new financial implications are introduced by this report. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning – The Local Housing Strategy is considered to support the Renfrewshire Community Plan 2017-2027, particularly the theme of Our Renfrewshire is thriving through encouraging people to stay here and attracting new people to settle here; and making sure infrastructure (such as housing) is in place to support growth in the local population. It is considered to support the Council Plan 2022-2027 (June 2024 refresh) particularly the Place priority of ensuring Renfrewshire has a supply of green, high-quality, affordable, cross-tenure homes in the right places to meet current and future demands; and the Green priority of working towards a net zero Renfrewshire. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights - (a) The Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 was subject to Equality, Children’s Rights and Wellbeing and Fairer Scotland Duty Impact Assessment. This assessment found no negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights.
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PUBLIC While the recommendations included in this annual report are for noting only, if required, the impact of implementing Local Housing Strategy actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of any additional assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Climate Risk – N/A. 13. Children’s Rights – This report does not cover a new policy, function or strategy or a substantive change to an existing policy, function or strategy which will have an impact on children’s rights. 14. Cosla Policy Position – N/A. _______________________________________________________ Appendix 1 Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 - Year Two (2024/25) Progress Update List of Background Papers (a) Background Paper 1 Report to Communities and Housing Policy Board 31 October 2023: Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028. The foregoing background papers will be retained within Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Services for inspection by the public for the prescribed period of four years from the date of the meeting. The contact officer within the service is Alan Williamson, Strategy and Place Manager, alan.williamson@renfrewshire.gov.uk ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Alan Williamson: alan.williamson@renfrewshire.gov.uk,
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PUBLIC Local Housing Strategy Action Plan 2023-2028 – Year Two (2024/25) Progress Update Strategic Priority 1: The supply and delivery of housing is increased across all tenures to meet the housing needs of different groups and create attractive and sustainable places. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2025 update 1 Identify and maintain a continuous supply of housing land in sustainable locations across Renfrewshire to support delivery of a mix of housing types and tenures to meet housing need and demand. Local Development Plan Action Programme agreed 2021 Actions implemented The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2021 Delivery Programme 2024 Update was approved by the Council’s Planning and Climate Change Policy Board on 21st January 2025. The Delivery Programme includes estimated 10-year programming for housing sites in Renfrewshire informed by the 2024 Housing Land Audit. The existing housing land supply is currently being reviewed in preparing the Housing Land Audit 2025 in line with new housing land audit guidance published by the Scottish Government in January 2025. Once published, the new housing land audit will help inform the preparation of Renfrewshire’s next Local Development Plan.
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PUBLIC 2 Support development of previously used and brownfield sites making best use of existing and planned infrastructure. 29.19 hectares of land identified in the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy brought back into productive use in 2022. Land identified in the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy brought back into productive use In 2024/25, development commenced on sites in the vacant and derelict land register totalling 4.83 hectares, with 1.79 hectares being developed for housing. 88% of the current housing land supply (based on 2024 Housing Land Audit) is on brownfield and previously used sites. 3 Deliver the rolling affordable housing supply programme set out in the Strategic Housing Investment Plan to deliver new energy efficient and digitally enabled homes and identify new projects that contribute to meeting the strategic priorities of this Local Housing Strategy. Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2023 - 2028 approved at Communities and Housing Policy Board October 2022 Annual update of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) In 2024/25, 104 new affordable homes were completed across three Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) sites. This includes a Sanctuary Scotland development at Napier Street, Linwood consisting of 51 homes, a Loretto development of 48 homes at East Lane Paisley and 5 units for Link at Hawkhead Paisley. These new homes contribute to expanding the supply of affordable high quality energy efficient homes. 4 Make use of the Affordable Housing Policy to increase the supply of affordable housing and help create mixed sustainable communities. N/A Number of sites that include units delivered through the new Affordable Housing Policy The Local Development Plan Affordable Housing Policy has successfully been used to deliver new affordable homes. Although no units were delivered in 2024/25 using this policy, discussions are ongoing around the application of the policy in relation to several new sites that will come forward in future years.
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PUBLIC 5 Deliver local regeneration strategies providing new affordable, energy efficient and digitally enabled homes in sustainable places that reflect Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions’. N/A Progress agreed area strategies following public consultation Positive progress is being made across all areas in the 10-year programme timeline. The acquisition and rehousing strategy is performing as planned and various phases of demolition are being taken forward as blocks become fully council owned and vacant. Planning approval has been obtained for new build Council homes at Gallowhill, Paisley (65 homes) and Howwood Road Area, Johnstone (70 homes) with the Gallowhill project commencing on 4 August 2025. Tenders are being prepared and issued for the Carbrook Street and Foxbar Rivers projects with feasibility studies being carried out at Springbank Phase 1 and Thrushcraigs (all Paisley). 6 Continue to support town centre action plans and support housing investment and development projects in Renfrewshire’s town centres. N/A Town Centre action plans to be progressed Work is continuing to deliver major regeneration projects in Paisley Town Centre as set out in Paisley Vision 2030. A Johnstone Town Centre Vision Framework was created by the Council and a specialist consultant team in collaboration with residents, businesses and community groups and published in May 2024. The purpose is to set out a vision for the future of Johnstone town centre; creating a place that is ‘vibrant, sustainable, connected, green and resilient’. The Erskine Town Centre Enhancements Framework was also prepared in 2024 and sets out short-, medium- and long-term enhancements for the town centre as a basis for future development, funding bids and delivery. Renfrewshire’s Housing Land Audit 2024 has a total of 11 sites that are located in town centre locations.
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PUBLIC The emerging LDP and updates of the SHIP will continue to identify new opportunities for residential development in town centres to support an increase in town centre living. 7 Support owners of empty properties to bring these homes back into productive use. 5 Empty Homes brough back into use through direct engagement with owners 2022/23 Number of empty homes brough back into use Positive progress continues in the work with owners of long term empty private properties to bring them back into use. Through the offering of advice and assistance to owners, 21 long-term empty properties were brought back into use during the 2024/25 financial year. 8 Support local communities in the preparation of community led Place Plans. N/A Indicator only Renfrewshire Council launched a Local Place Plan Fund of £100,000 to support communities to prepare and develop a plan for their area. Communities who were interested in the fund were invited to submit a funding application during May 2025. The fund is currently supporting 10 community groups to prepare a Local Place Plan for their area. The Council has asked communities to prepare their Local Place Plan by 31 March 2026 to ensure that they can be taken into account in preparing the new Local Development Plan.
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PUBLIC Strategic Priority 2: People live in high quality, well managed homes in sustainable neighbourhoods. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2025 update 9 Develop approaches to maximise investment in Council homes and privately owned homes within the Council’s regeneration and renewal areas. RC Housing Led Regeneration and Renewal Programme approved January 2022 Strategies implemented. Regeneration programme progress The regeneration and development team have continued to actively engage with owners of private properties within mixed tenure blocks to encourage owner participation in energy improvement works in common blocks. Levels of Private Sector Housing Grant have been accelerated within Housing Regeneration areas to further assist owners to participate in the proposed programme of work. Acquisition initiatives have also been rolled out where this would increase the Council’s ownership position to a majority or full ownership position. 10 Develop and implement a multi- disciplinary approach to neighbourhood renewal plans. Neighbourhood Renewal Group meetings have taken place in two of the eight areas (as at August 2023) Neighbourhood Renewal Groups established and meeting Plans produced A Neighbourhood Renewal approach has been developed which will be tailored to the needs and circumstances of each area, going beyond housing and the immediate external environment, taking account of broader issues such as links to health and well- being, access to outdoor space, sustainable travel and employment/training opportunities to maximise the benefit achievable for local residents. This has been further developed across 3 of the 8 Neighbourhood Renewal Areas (Howwood Road, Aucthentorlie and Howard Street areas) and will be progressed for the Waverley Rd area later this year.
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PUBLIC 11 Continue to address Below Tolerable Standard properties across Renfrewshire. Scottish House Condition Survey (2015-2017) estimated that 1% of properties in Renfrewshire were Below Tolerable Standard Scottish House Condition Survey statistics During 2024/25 Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Board approved the promotion and use of Demolition Orders on a privately owned Below Tolerable Standard property at Tannahill Road to facilitate the regeneration works in this area. Officers within Environmental Health have regulatory responsibility for enforcement of housing legislation within the private sector and are involved in supporting regeneration works through the use of statutory powers to have Below Tolerable Standard property demolished. The process of utilising Demolition Orders within the remaining regeneration areas will continue, where there is a need to do so. The Scottish House Condition Survey (2015- 2017) estimated that 1% of properties in Renfrewshire were BTS. Due to methodological changes in the SHCS, local authority level data is not currently available. Estimates from the SHCS based on a 3- year average from 2022-2024 are expected to be published in early 2026. Nationally, 2022 figures show a sharp increase in the proportion of below tolerable standard dwellings from 2% in 2019 to 29% in 2022, primarily due to two new below tolerable standard criteria introduced that year. (assessing the presence, type, and condition of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms). Considering only the 12 pre-existing criteria, in 2022 the share of dwellings below tolerable standard across Scotland was 2% in both private and social sector, similar to previous years.
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PUBLIC 12 Continue to provide advice and assistance to private homeowners through the Scheme of Assistance. 587 owners provided with information and advice on common repairs (2021/22) No. of households provided with advice or assistance. No. of grants provided to owners to participate in repairs/investme nt schemes In 2024/25, 994 owners were assisted with information and advice. 122 homeowners were awarded grant support for adaptations following referral from the Health & Social Care Partnership who work closely with Housing Services and Care & Repair Renfrewshire. 170 private homeowners were also awarded grant support for major capital investment works. 13 Undertake a review of the Council’s Scheme of Assistance for private homeowners taking into account legislative changes. Scheme of Assistance last reviewed 2018 Scheme of Assistance reviewed An updated Scheme of Assistance was approved by the Communities and Housing Policy Board on 21 May 2024. 14 Continue the Missing Shares pilot for older tenement property and review its effectiveness. 7 tenement block repair projects supported to date, with value of Missing Shares in the region of £50,000 (as at April 2023) No. of Missing Shares approved Over 100 enquiries were received regarding the missing shares scheme during 2024/25 and Housing Services funded 11 missing shares for owners who were in in 4 different tenement blocks to progress essential repairs.. We continue to promote and encourage private owners to use the scheme. 15 Increase uptake of factoring services providing a co- ordinated maintenance Renfrewshire Council provides factoring service for 2,417 properties including for repairs, laundrettes and heating services (2022/23). Increase by 1% annually** Factoring services were provided to 2,245 properties by Renfrewshire Council in 2024/25. Housing Services continue to review factoring services and engage with owners and monitor properties registered.
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PUBLIC regime for mixed tenure blocks. We report annually to the Scottish Housing Regulator on customer satisfaction levels among private owners receiving these factoring services. 16 Implement Revised Council Housing Asset Management Strategy. N/A Council Housing Asset Management Strategy approved and implemented Revision of the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2025-2030 commenced in 2024/25, with the intention to report to the Communities and Housing Policy Board in 2025, with implementation thereafter. 17 Monitor the operation of the private rented market in Renfrewshire. Analysis of PRS market contained within this LHS Updated analysis The Council’s annual snapshot of privately sector properties advertised for rent in April 2025 showed the average rent of a 2- bedroom flat was £800 per month, an increase of 3.5% compared to the previous year’s snapshot. The Scottish Housing Network provided a Renfrewshire summary of their national landlord survey which was undertaken in 2024. 194 Renfrewshire landlords responded. The survey looked at landlord composition, reasons for becoming a landlord and their future intentions relating to their property and rent. Of note is that almost one-third of landlords reported they intend to reduce their portfolio, which could further increase pressure on social rented stock. 18 Provide additional support, advocacy and representation for people living in private rented tenancies. N/A Number of service users assisted 51 private sector tenants were provided with support in 2024/25. Funding for the 2 temporary frontline posts which enhance access to support and housing options advice for tenants in the private rented sector will now remain in place for 2025/26.
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PUBLIC The officers have successfully built strong and effective connections across Council services, improving collaboration and information sharing between support services, housing options, advocacy, and enforcement teams. A full review will now be carried out in early 2026. 19 Continue to make effective use of enforcement actions against private landlords who fail to meet the required standards in relation to the management and maintenance of their property. Around 7,500 landlords with 10,169 properties registered (Jan 23) 453 Rent Penalty Notices issued 2021/22 Actions taken As at 01/09/25, there were in excess of 7,039 registered private landlords in Renfrewshire with at least 10,977 private rented properties. Between 01/04/24 and 31/03/25, 4 landlords were refused registration at the Regulatory Functions Board. From 01/04/2024 to 31/03/25: • 76 investigations of private rented properties undertaken. • 283 Rent Penalty notices were issued to private landlords Work continued through 2024/25 to investigate complaints about both the condition of privately rented property within this sector and to pursue landlords who have failed to register as private landlords. This work ensures that privately rented properties are safe and fit for tenants and that landlords are fit and proper persons to rent property.
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PUBLIC Strategic Priority 3: Address the challenges of the climate emergency, delivering homes that are warm, energy efficient and fuel poverty is minimised. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2025 update 20 Implement the housing-related actions within Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero that contribute towards Renfrewshire’s net zero targets. N/A Annual progress towards full implementation Work continues to implement the housing-related actions as outlined in the Plan for Net Zero, centred around the transition to clean energy. Progress is demonstrated through the associated measures of success within the Plan for Net Zero, including the following that relate to housing where data is drawn from ‘Home Analytics’ as at March 2025 (latest release): • % of households with an EPC of Band C and above is 54%. By tenure this figure is broken down as: Housing Association: 80.6%; Renfrewshire Council: 67.8%; Owner Occupier: 48.6% and Private Rented: 52.3% (*note achieving an EPC of Band C applies where it is technically and financially feasible). • % of households with renewables/low carbon heat supply: 8%. This includes solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, biomass and wind turbines that have been installed on Renfrewshire households. By tenure this figure is broken down as: Housing Association: 4% of stock; Renfrewshire Council: 7% of housing stock; Owner Occupier: 9% of properties and; Private Rented: 6% of properties. • Average CO2 emissions per household per year: 3.6 tonnes CO2/year.
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PUBLIC By tenure this is: o Housing Association: average of 2.4tCO2 per annum; Renfrewshire Council: average of 2.7tCO2 per annum; Owner Occupier: average of 3.9tCO2 per annum and; Private Rented: average of 3.3tCO2 per annum Fuel poverty statistics are reported under Action 25 Renfrewshire Council are implementing measures in Council housing stock to reduce carbon emissions by 68% (from 2020 levels) and work towards ensuring all Council housing stock has an EPC of B by 2030 where feasible. Where possible we will work with private homeowners within mixed tenure blocks to help them to participate and benefit from Council energy efficiency improvement programmes and will work with owner-occupiers and the private rented sector to share learning and identify opportunities to reduce costs for all through economies of scale. The Scottish Government are currently reforming the Energy Performance Certificate framework, with the intention the new certification will be introduced in 2026 (subject to the UK Government timetable for development of the Home Energy Model) and features new Heat Retention Ratings, Energy Cost Ratings and Heating System Rating.
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PUBLIC Renfrewshire Council recently responded to the Scottish Government’s Consultation on the proposed introduction of Heat and Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA) and Draft Energy Efficiency (Domestic private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations. 21 In newbuild affordable homes, the Council and housing associations will use renewable technology and other measures to provide energy efficient, well- ventilated homes that are low or zero emissions and meet the Scottish Government’s New Build Heat Standard Regulations effective from 1 April 2024. N/A Number of new affordable homes delivered through the SHIP that meet zero emissions heat standard in relation to gas boiler alternatives All newbuild affordable homes with a warrant post April 2024 will meet the Scottish Government New Build Heat Standard. The specification for new build Council homes has been updated to include an improved airtightness (1.5m3/hr/m2), air source heat pumps, solar pv and waste water recovery
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PUBLIC 22 Where feasible, retrofit existing social rented homes with renewable technology and other measures to improve aspects including energy efficiency, heating, ventilation and carbon emissions; including alternatives to gas boilers such as heat pumps and assessing suitability of properties to connect to heat networks if within a heat network zone. Up to 31 March 2023 Renfrewshire Council had delivered (cumulative): 400 homes fitted with Environmental Air Quality Sensors (3 per property) 1,947 homes with EWI retro fitted (1881 flats and 66 houses) 95 homes with solar PV retrofitted (84 flats and 11 houses) 6 homes with air source heat pumps retro fitted (a) 281 homes with Quantum storage heaters (a) Number of homes retrofitted with renewable technology and other measures per year. (b) Progress towards establishing suitability for social rented homes to connect to heat networks when available locally. As at 31 March 2025: • Around 1,000 council homes are fitted with environmental air quality sensors • 2,670 council homes have external wall insulation retrofitted • 582 council homes have solar PV retrofitted • 9 council homes have air source heat pumps retrofitted • Quantum storage heaters are in 266 council homes The Council was successful in its funding bid from the Scottish Government, for the ground source loop array at Gallowhill and Glencairn Court. Works have now commenced to replace gas heating at those two multi story blocks, with completion scheduled for the summer of 2026. This will result in 180 new heat pumps within the flats. The Council continues to investigate opportunities for council housing to decarbonise its heating, whilst considering any fuel poverty implications.
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PUBLIC 23 Encourage and support owners and private landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties to meet specific targets, reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions; accessing funding opportunities as appropriate, to achieve this. N/A Annual SHCS The Council’s Energy Management Unit manage the Energy Company Obligation ECO Flex 4 funding which is a UK Government energy efficiency scheme administered by Ofgem. It aims to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. ECO Flex 4 applies to: private housing in Renfrewshire; fuel-poor households that do not meet criteria for other schemes; low- income or vulnerable households that are vulnerable to the effects of the cold, energy inefficient homes who may benefit form heating and energy saving measures. It does not apply to council housing or Registered Social Landlords. The energy efficiency measures being installed within Renfrewshire under this scheme include boilers, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels, heating controls, first time central heating etc. The table below highlights the savings ECO4 Flex has achieved to date based on annually recurring savings: 24 (a) Private housebuilders will be required to meet the New Build Heat Standard N/A Number of new private homes built with alternatives to a) Building Regulations were amended as of 1 April 2024 to reflect the New Build Heat Standards, meaning that direct emission heating systems (like gas and oil boilers) will not be allowed in new buildings applying for a building warrant from this
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PUBLIC Regulations effective from 1 April 2024 for new buildings that apply for a building warrant. (b) Where feasible, new developments will connect to heat networks where developments are within heat network zones to provide energy efficient homes that reflect Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions gas boiler systems Number of newbuild private homes connecting to heat networks. date. Therefore all new dwellings have an alternative to gas boiler systems. Part A of Action 24 is now complete. b) Internal LHEES Officer Working Group meetings are still ongoing held every 8 weeks and we have introduced spotlight presentations from Officers within the group to spread awareness of projects which will continue to identify and optimise opportunities. 25 Work towards meeting the national fuel poverty targets and reducing the amount of people affected by fuel poverty across Renfrewshire. 2017-2019 SHCS ‘Fuel Poor Households’ in Renfrewshire - 22% Annual SHCS At the time of this update, the SHCS local authority based data was not available and therefore no update can be provided against the baseline Energy Efficiency Ratings (SAP). Therefore, in the interim Renfrewshire’s Home Analytics data provides us with the following detail in relation to fuel poverty at March 2025:
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PUBLIC % of households in Renfrewshire with a probability of fuel poverty (more than 10% of the household’s net income required to pay for reasonable fuel needs to maintain an acceptable standard of living after housing costs have been deducted): 22% % of households in Renfrewshire with a probability of extreme fuel poverty (more than 20% of the household’s net income required to pay for reasonable fuel needs to maintain an acceptable standard of living after housing costs have been deducted): 8% As per Action 23, the Council’s energy advocates continue to support residents of all tenures within Renfrewshire. This includes fuel debt, supplier disputes, priority service provision, supplier switching and energy use. In addition, the work of the LHEES will address fuel poverty. 26 The Council and housing associations operating in Renfrewshire will continue to provide good quality fuel poverty advice, income maximisation and information to tenants, owners and private tenants. 1,500 referrals received by Renfrewshire Council’s Advocacy Service for advice from Renfrewshire residents in 2022/23. This resulted in £475,028 in savings Number of referrals received by Renfrewshire Council’s Energy Advocacy Service from Renfrewshire residents and resultant savings achieved The Council’s energy advocates support residents of all tenures within Renfrewshire. This includes assistance with fuel debt reduction, help with supplier disputes, priority service provision, advice on insulation and heating upgrades, supplier switching and energy use. Meetings have taken place with the Communications Team and new pamphlets have been produced to issue to libraries etc to advertise the service to the public. The Advocacy figures for 2024/25 are: 24/25 - Quarterly referrals & savings: Q1 - 165 referrals with £39,115 in savings Q2 - 136 referrals with £28,962 in savings Q3 - 170 referrals with £40,359 in savings Q4 - 139 referrals with £25,904 in savings Year total: 610 referrals with £134,340 in savings in 2024/25.
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PUBLIC 27 Support the preparation and implementation of a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) that sets out a long term energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation strategy for Renfrewshire. N/A LHEES developed and approved Following the conclusion of two funded feasibility studies we have progressed with two part funded Outline Business Cases for the potential development of a district heat network in Paisley Central and the potential extension at AMIDS with Glasgow Airport. We have and will continue to maintain a positive relationship with our partners and stakeholders throughout these projects and engagement processes. The Delivery Plan will continue to be progressed with the aim to deliver the actions within and future updates will be provided. 28* The Council and housing associations operating in Renfrewshire will work towards meeting the requirements and milestones of the emerging Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) for social rented housing. N/A Strategies developed and implemented Earlier in 2025 the Scottish Government announced that the draft Heat in Buildings Strategy (HiBS) had been revised prior to becoming a Bill and beginning its passage through the Scottish Parliament. We await the final agreed Scottish Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) which will form part of this new legislation. Renfrewshire Council’s current retrofit design programme is ensuring there will be a bank of properties ready for next year’s investment programme that will ensure the council are meeting the energy efficiency standards immediately. Careful consideration of the replacement of fossil fuel heating will be required and we await the interim targets up to 2045, before a costed plan can be prepared.
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PUBLIC 29 All Council newbuild homes meet or exceed Section 7, Silver Level Aspects 1 and 2 of the 2011 Building Regulations – energy for space heating. Silver Level achieved at Council development in Ferguslie Park for all 101 units of affordable housing built 2023/24 SHIP completions Ahead of issuing the tenders for Carbrook Street and Foxbar River a review of our new build specification was undertaken. The updated specification now exceeds Silver Aspect Levels and meets Gold Aspects 1–8. This enhanced standard is being applied to the Council’s new build projects at Gallowhill (65 units) and the Howwood Road area of Spateson (70 units). 30 The Council and housing associations operating in Renfrewshire will maximise the number of privately owned or privately rented properties who participate in energy efficiency and low carbon improvement activities, including Scottish Government Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Schemes (EES:ABS), as part of the wider Renfrewshire Council final ABS funding draw down for 2022/23 was £1,259,033.26 allowing 91 owners to participate in external improvement works. 58 Council tenants within mixed tenure blocks benefited benefit from these works, funded by the Council N/A In 2024/25 a total of £1,462,357.68 of the EES:ABS grant funding was drawn down and used to support private owners across Renfrewshire. The majority of grant expenditure is via the Council’s mixed tenure blocks investment project. £956,883.68 of EES:ABS grant funding was allocated to owners to support improvement works, including external wall insulation and associated measures to 184 flatted properties in projects across Renfrewshire. The grant funding allowed 85 private owners to benefit from these works, whilst works to a further 96 Council homes were funded by the Council through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme. During the course of 2024/25, the appointed managing agent ceased offering a managing agent service after the grant funding had been awarded, withdrawing from the contract at short notice. This impacted the Council’s ability to increase the amount of grant available to this project to ensure full expenditure of the total grant award.
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PUBLIC improvements to improve the energy efficiency of homes. Action was taken to procure a replacement managing agent and Warmworks were appointed on a short-term contract in January 2025. Working in the Lochfield area where the Council has previously carried out investment programmes, and targeting eligible residents, they were able to install external wall insulation and associated measures to 26 wholly private houses, utilising £505,474 of EES:ABS funding. Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £1,163,400 for qualifying projects under the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Schemes (EES: ABS) programme for 2025/26. 31* Engage with private landlords to provide support and encourage energy efficiency improvements in line with proposals set out in the Heat in Buildings Bill. The 2017-2019 SHCS shows the Energy Efficiency Rating (% of Dwellings with an Energy Efficiency Rating (SAP 2012) of B or C) for privately rented homes as too small a sample to show. The Renfrewshire average for all tenures is 58% Annual SHCS The Heat in Buildings Bill is a key element of a strategy to decarbonise buildings and contribute towards Scotland’s net zero targets. The Bill, intended to progress the Heat in Buildings Strategy, was revised ahead of being considered by the Scottish Parliament later in 2025/26. The revised Bill will now include: • A target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045, which the Scottish Government said will send a strong signal to homeowners, landlords and other building owners on the need to prepare for change while outlining collective actions to help do this. • Provisions to boost heat network development by developing requirements for large, non-domestic premises, including powers to require public sector buildings to connect to district heating when available.
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PUBLIC • Powers to set minimum energy efficiency standards for owner/occupier and non-domestic properties, subject to further consideration. Regulations will be progressed under existing powers to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard in the private rented sector. Currently no local authority-based data from the SHCS is available to provide updated Energy Efficiency Ratings (SAP). 32 Promote and support available energy efficiency measures to both private owners and private landlords, including obtaining financial support. 2017-2019 SHCS average SAP of 71 for Council stock and 68.2 for owner occupied stock Annual SHCS annual reporting Please see action 23 for update as both actions cover energy efficient measures and financial support. Strategic Priority 4: Prevention of homelessness and providing support for those in housing need. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2025 update 33 Review the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan 2019-2024 and make recommendations on future approaches to homelessness in Renfrewshire. N/A RRTP reviewed Scottish Government extended the delivery of RRTPs for a further year in 2025/26 with associated funding to local authorities along the same lines as previous years. This has allowed the continuation of established initiatives: • 3 x temporary frontline posts which focus on resettling homeless applicants transitioning from temporary accommodation to new tenancies,
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PUBLIC these 3 posts were extended for 2024/25 and the postholders supported many of the 658 homeless applicants who moved into a social rented tenancy during the year (there were 490 social rented lets in 2019/20). • upscaling and developing the Housing First approach both in- house with our Housing Support team and with partners such as Turning Point Scotland and Blue Triangle Housing Association. The number of service users being supported via the Housing First approach at any one time increased from 13 in 2019 to 92 by September 2025. 34 Increase the number and proportion of social housing lets being let to homeless applicants. 41% of Council lets to homeless applicants, 2022/23 Total lets to homeless applicants from Council and RSL: 171 to RSLs 318 to RC (as per ARC return) % of Council lets to homeless applicants No of Council and RSL lets to homeless applicants In 2024/25 52% of general Council lets were to Statutory Homeless applicants and 39% of RSL general lets were to homeless applicants. Whilst the target of 55% of Council lets to homeless applicants in 2024/25 was not quite met, the increase in the number of actual lets from the Council to 451 in 2024/25, and RSL lets to 207 in 2024/25 has significantly helped to ensure those in housing need were provided with settled housing as early as possible. 35 Continue to strengthen the approach to prevention and repeat homelessness by providing holistic wraparound support to households in Renfrewshire. Housing First model can support 65 individuals at any one time via 3 different support providers (2021/22) No. of individuals supported via Housing First models The RRTP has supported the upscaling of a Housing First approach to support those who are homeless from 13 at any one time in 2019 to 100 August 2025, as well as minimising the time those who are homeless have to spend in temporary accommodation, and supporting a stepped increase in the number of lets to homeless applicants from the Council and RSL’s. A full update on the MyLA project is provided at 37, below.
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PUBLIC 36 Continue to assess requirements for temporary accommodation and provide appropriate supply, in light of aims set out in the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan and current trends in homelessness. 257 temporary accommodation units (2023) No. of temporary accommodation units Renfrewshire continues to experience higher levels of homelessness, and Homeless and Housing Support services and partners continue to face significant challenges in providing both temporary and permanent accommodation and providing the support those who are homeless require, in line with our statutory duties. The demand for temporary accommodation has substantially increased in line with the increase in homeless applications and as a response the stock of furnished temporary accommodation has been increased from 233 in 2019 to 291 properties by September 2025 across Renfrewshire Council and RSL stock. The strong focus on lets to homeless applicants from the Council and RSLs has supported the effort to minimise both the use of hotels/B&B as a form of temporary accommodation and the length of time people are without settled accommodation. 37 Build on the rapid rehousing approach to ensure access to specialist services is readily available via robust pathways for homeless people with complex needs, including mental health and harmful alcohol and/or drugs use. My Life Ahead (MyLA) established in May 2022 – 39 individuals supported in first year of operation Initiatives implemented The My Life Ahead project (MyLA ) came to a planned end in March 2025. Launched in 2022 using funding from the Alcohol and Drug Commission Programme Board, MyLA was for individuals and families living in Renfrewshire whose daily lives were impacted by drug and alcohol use and would benefit from support to sustain/access settled housing. MyLA provided enhanced housing support to some of the most complex, challenging, and vulnerable people within Renfrewshire, who at times could be hard to reach.
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PUBLIC A ‘Complex Cases Working Group’ was established as part of MyLA with membership including representatives from Housing Support, Addictions Services, and Mental Health Services. This group is now well established and has become a highly effective example of partnership working, and developing staff knowledge and understanding of the challenges MyLA service users are facing. 89 people received support from the MyLA service, and an independent assessment found strong evidence of service users reporting a reduction in alcohol and drug use, improved access to health care, reduction in anti-social behaviour complaints, improved income maximisation and reduction in rent arrears. Those who were being supported via MyLA at March 2025 continued to have their support needs met via the Council’s Housing Support team whilst the next steps are being assessed for building on the success of the project. Building on the foundations laid in 2024, the Housing Support Initiatives and Complex Cases Group has now been formally established. This multi-agency forum strengthens the rapid rehousing approach by ensuring individuals with complex needs— particularly those affected by mental health issues and harmful alcohol and/or drug use—have clear and supported pathways into specialist services. The group operates with a clear remit to promote person-centred service delivery, ensure effective service user engagement, and support staff governance and development. It provides a structured space to review complex cases, share information, monitor risks and incidents, and ensure consistency in care practice.
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PUBLIC The group meets every six weeks via Microsoft Teams and includes representatives from housing support, addiction recovery, and mental health services. Standing agenda items include service updates, concerns, waiting times, protection issues, and harm reduction. The group also maintains key relationships with Housing Support Services, ADRS, and CMHT, and liaises regularly outside formal meetings to ensure continuity of care. CIRCLE, Renfrewshire’s recovery hub, continues to provide a unique mental health and addiction service with a strong recovery focus. It offers improved opportunities for individuals and maintains active links with housing and homelessness services through the Complex Cases Group. Both CIRCLE and the Housing Support Initiatives and Complex Cases Group are currently exploring ways to strengthen collaborative working. This includes reviewing referral pathways, enhancing joint working practices, and identifying opportunities for shared training and development to improve outcomes for individuals with complex needs. Strategic Priority 5: People can live independently for as long as possible in their own home and the different housing needs of people across Renfrewshire are being met. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2025 update 38 Work with partners and stakeholders to provide housing RC completed 184 adaptations in RC stock 2022/23 Adaptations completions In 2024/25, Care and Repair Renfrewshire: completed 131 adaptations in privately owned homes
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PUBLIC and housing related support opportunities for older and vulnerable people to help them live independently and healthily in their own home. Approx 130 installations of adaptations to private homes per year. Care and Repair small repairs service – 1,398 small repairs completed 2022 Care and Repair Support provided completed 1,558 repair jobs through their Small Repairs Service for older and disabled people dealt with 166 advice cases In 2024/25, Renfrewshire Council completed 424 adaptations within 318 council homes. Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership have worked closely with the council to increase resilience with occupational therapy support being supplied when housing OT on annual leave to prevent critical delays in void property being allocated. 39 Support partners in the development and implementation of a Renfrewshire Dementia Action Plan reflecting the objectives and priorities of the Dementia Strategy for Scotland 2023 N/A Action Plan Developed A local multi-agency dementia planning group has now been established and will develop a delivery plan to reflect the priorities within the national strategy. 40 Increase the supply of new housing that meets the needs of older people and those with mobility difficulties. New target for wheelchair and accessible new build homes included within this LHS Number of accessible homes completed. The following housing meeting the needs of older people and those with mobility difficulties were delivered in reporting year 2024/25: • Of the 51 new properties within the Napier Street development in Linwood, 3 were wheelchair accessible. • Of 48 new flats within the East Lane development in Paisley, 4 were wheelchair accessible.
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PUBLIC 41 Work in partnership with the Housing and Social Care Partnership to identify specialist housing and housing related support opportunities for people with particular needs in Renfrewshire and in taking specific initiatives forward. Discussions ongoing with HSCP to establish the needs of particular groups Housing and housing support needs identified and met Liaison with Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership is ongoing regarding specialist housing and housing related support requirements within both existing and new build social rented homes. This will include the delivery of two semi-detached homes within a Renfrewshire Council newbuild development in the Paisley area. Partnership work continues to explore future opportunities through the Strategic Housing Investment Programme and other opportunities. 42 Continue to support the various refugee and asylum programmes including the provision of settled accommodation. Actions taken to support programmes and no. of tenancies provided Range of support provided The Council’s Refugee Resettlement Team are currently supporting 244 households across Renfrewshire, with a small increase in Afghan arrivals in 2025 via the consolidated Afghan Resettlement Programme. A new post of Health and Wellbeing Coordinator was created within the Resettlement Team to further develop, promote, and deliver a variety of health, wellbeing and integration based activities and events. 43 Following the publication of the Scottish Government’s June 2023 Action Plan and the emerging associated toolkit, we will consider Number of unauthorised encampments in Renfrewshire: 2021/22: Zero 2022/23: 5 N/A Estimating the housing need and demand of the community has been problematic and the Council has found it challenging to fully engage with the communities to understand future accommodation needs. There is also a lack of a consistent way for Gypsy/Travellers and Travelling Showpeople communities to indicate their need for a site.
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PUBLIC options to best meet the housing needs of the Gypsy/Traveller community. Other Council’s face similar issues and in recognition of this the Scottish Government Action Plan sets out an action to, “commission research to help Local Authorities identify Gypsy/Traveller accommodation needs and include them in their Housing Needs and Demand Assessments (HNDA), Local Housing Strategies (LHS) and Development Plans” by Winter 2025/26. To establish better contacts with the Gypsy/Traveller community in Renfrewshire, an information leaflet has been prepared which can be distributed at any unauthorised encampment when they arrive in Renfrewshire and encourages the community to contact the Council’s Place Strategy team to discuss their housing needs. Contact has also been established with owners of the existing privately owned Gypsy/Travellers site in Renfrewshire. Initial discussions were positive and one of the owners has offered to help the Council establish wider contacts with the community, which could include them circulating a survey on housing needs to members of the community across Renfrewshire. Further engagement will take place to build connections with the community to better understand their housing needs and whether there is demand for a new site in Renfrewshire. In 2024/25 there were no recorded unauthorised encampments within Renfrewshire. * denotes action has been updated since 2023 Local Housing Strategy was approved. ** denotes indicator/measure has been added since 2023 Local Housing Strategy was approved.