Item 8 - Appendix 1

West Dunbartonshire Council · 20 August 2025
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 20 August 2025 and its agenda

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Page 1

Appendix 1 - Housing Emergency Declaration action plan
Icon Name
1 - Deliver and maintain More Homes - West Dunbartonshire approach to the delivery of affordable housing.
Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Issue letter to the
housing minister
highlight the Housing
Emergency declaration
and requesting that the
full AHSP is restored.
30-Aug-
2024
Yes
Highlight within SHIP
and Programming
Process the impacts of
cuts to the AHSP
31-Oct-
2024
Yes
Participate in a number
of Member and Officer
groups and influence
agenda to maximise
AHSP budget
settlement
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Continue to lobby SG
for increase in AHSP
funding in
partnership with
COSLA/SOLACE/ALA
CHO
31-Mar-
2025
While we await the final outturn report
West Dunbartonshire Council has been
allocated around £2m additional funding
through our 2024/25 RPA through the
Affordable Housing Supply Programme in
recognition of our ability to deliver, the
additional funding is from the existing
funding within the wider AHSP.  For
2025/26 we now know our RPA to be
£11.053m.
Review impact of
discussions with
Scottish Government
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
John Kerr
Presentation to West
Dunbartonshire
Strategic Housing
Providers Forum
30-Aug-
2024
Yes
Carry out prioritisation
exercise
21-Oct-
2024
Yes
Refresh Strategic
Housing Investment
Plan to ensure the
delivery of new
homes to meet acute
housing need in
West Dunbartonshire
29-Nov-
2024
Draft SHIP approved
by More Homes Project
31-Oct-
2024
Yes
John Kerr
ITEM 8 - APPENDIX 1

Page 2

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Board
Deliver new
Strategic Housing
Investment Plan
31-Oct-
2024
SHIP approved at Housing and
Communities Committee of 20th
November   
Jamie Dockery
Deliver the Council's
approved new build
programme for
24/25 helping meet
the identified
housing need.
01-Mar-
2025
Development delivered. action will be
repeated in new year, report to MHPB
Dawn Conner
SHIP to be prepared
and draft submitted to
the Scottish
Government by
October 31
31-Oct-
2024
Yes
Develop and acquire
More Homes Project
Board approval for
proposal to ensure the
acceleration and
prioritisation of new
home delivery.
31-Dec-
2024
Yes
Examine ways to
accelerate new build
delivery considering
housing emergency
declaration
31-Dec-
2024
While the initial action is complete,
ongoing progress in this will be reported
and monitored within the governance of
the More Homes Board.  There does
continue to be internal challenges in the
delivery of new housing.
Develop revised
Strategic Local
Programme in
partnership with
Scottish Government
31-Dec-
2024
Yes
John Kerr
Scale up and extend
the Buy Back
Scheme to meet the
key housing demand
factors including the
provision of
temporary
accommodation
31-Mar-
2025
The buyback scheme has been scaled up
through £10m of additional funding over
the next 5 years in addition for 2024/25
we have been awarded an additional
£309k in 24/25 to secure buyback
acquisitions that directly take households
out of temporary accommodation, our
stated priority is families with children. 
We have a similar allocation of £296k for
25/26.
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Laura Hanna
Participate in Housing
Investment task force
25-Sep-
2024
YesExplore innovative
housing investment
30-Sept-
2025
Action on track paper being developed for
the September meeting of the More John Kerr

Page 3

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
discussions
Continue to develop
own proposals in
partnership with
external agencies and
potential investors
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
and partnership
models to maximise
housing investment
approaches
Homes Project Board.
Proposal paper to More
Homes Project Board
to define policy
31-Sep-
2025
No
In partnership with
the Scottish
Government review
the planning and
consenting system
considering the
national housing
emergency to
increase the scale
and pace of
development across
all tenures
28-Feb-
2025
Updated to 50% as work is ongoing, a lot
is however out of our local control and
actions will be taken forward as part of
the SG response to the national housing
emergency.
actions from the
meeting - attended by
chief planning officer
28-Feb-
2025
Yes
Michael Mulgrew
Detail development
priorities within SHIP
31-Oct-
2024
YesReview HRA resource
allocation across the
Council to help
facilitate/deliver new
build programme
30-Sept-
2025
More Homes Co=Ordinator currently
being recruited as part of Housing
Development Service Redesign Housing Development
service design to be
completed
31-Sep-
2025
No John Kerr
Approval for Gilmour
Avenue modular
development
25-Sep-
2024
Yes
Develop revised
approach based on
review and share with
development partners
31-Dec-
2024
Yes
Explore an approach
to develop modular
and other forms of
innovative housing
by working in
partnership with
other housing
providers
31-Oct-
2025
This action has been delayed due to the
administration of Connect Modular and
the subsequent delay to the Gilmour
Avenue development.
Review Gilmour
Avenue development
31-Oct-
2025
No
John Kerr
Examine the
capacity of the HRA
to deliver agreed
29-Aug-
2025
The ability of the HRA to deliver all
identified tenant priorities including the
delivery of new housing within the HRA
review for 2024/25 31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Peter Barry

Page 4

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
housing
ambitions/tenant
priorities
Capital Investment plan will continue to
be discussed with tenant representatives
primarily within future rent consultations
although not exclusive to these.  We will
ensure housing ambitions and service
spend continues to reflect tenant
priorities.
Participation in Scottish
Government trawl
process
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Special More Homes
Board scheduled for
November to look at
the opportunities with
other service
departments (now
Housing Summitt).
28-Feb-
2025
Yes
Engage with public
and private sector
landowners to
increase the HRA
landbank and
support development
in line with the
refreshed Strategic
Housing Investment
Plan
31-Oct-
2025
Discussions ongoing with one housing
developer re potential for them to
landbank housing opportunities, model to
be explored further.
Plan agreed at More
Homes Board to inform
delivery plans from
2025/26
31-Oct-
2025
No
John Kerr
Review Affordable
Housing Design
Standard
31-Mar-
2026
Full review to be undertaken in 2025, but
the design standard was examined as part
of the SHIP development process and it
was found not to be limiting in terms of
new build ambitions, many developing
associations citing it as a benefit in the
design process and providing clear
guidance.
John Kerr
Increase provision of
Mid-Market Rent
properties as a
viable housing option
for homeless and
housing applicants
30-Apr-
2026
Proposal is being taken forward following
May 2024 committee approval; however,
we now await clarity in terms of Scottish
Government funding arrangements and
the identification of a suitable site and
associated business plan
John Kerr
Refresh Housing
Needs and Demand
Assessment (HNDA)
within a local WDC
perspective
31-Mar-
2026
Action on track following support at the
Housing Summit in February 2025
John Kerr; Claire McKay

Page 5

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Carry out a review of
design standards
(Housing
development and
planning)
31-Mar-
2026
Action commenced looking at the
planning requirements in relation to the
delivery of new homes. Jamie Dockery; Michael
Mulgrew
Icon Name
2 - Make Best Use of Existing Stock
Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Continue to Improve
our approach to
empty council homes
with a strengthened
focus on reducing
void time and letting
longer term empty
homes and negating
any use of
unsuitable
accommodation.
31-Dec-
2024
Although the action has been completed
work continues on the Void Improvement
Action Plan working alongside Housing
Operations to improve performance
across the Council. Building Services
continue to set targets to improve
productivity and reduce the average cost
to bring a property back to the Councils'
relet standard.
At end of quarter 3 to end of December
Building Services had received 665 and
returned 706 ready for let properties. The
average time to bring back to relet
standard in quarter 3 was 13 days (target
12 days) compared with 27 days in
2023/2024 (discounted days). Actual days
in quarter 3 was 55 days compared to 79
days in quarter 2. Up to the 27/01/2025
major and extensive voids have been
reduced by 15. The average cost to bring
a property back to the Councils' relet
standard has reduced in 2024/2025
compared to 2023/2024. Less void
properties have been subcontracted and a
significant reduction in void overtime
costs has been achieved. Costs may
increase in quarter 4 as efforts to achieve
the target of 150 by year end continue.   
Martin Feeney
Consider a fixed 20-Dec- Action on track for completion by target Martin Feeney

Page 6

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Implement and
monitor measures to
improve the control
and generation of non-
essential repairs.
30-Aug-
2024
Yes
Based on performance
and progress made on
reducing the number of
empty homes agree to
continue to monitor
and postpone any
decision on a fixed
term moratorium.
27-Sep-
2024
Yes
Continue to implement
improvement actions in
the void management
improvement plan
including increasing
productivity and
reducing the average
cost to bring an empty
home back to the
Councils' relet
standard.
29-Nov-
2024
Yes
term moratorium on
non-essential
housing repairs to
focus activity around
bring empty homes
back into use
2024
date with 3 of the 4 sub actions
completed. Actions in the void
management improvement plan and
building services action plan 2024/2025
are progressing well. Increased
productivity in void operations and
reduction in the average cost to bring a
void back to the Councils' relet standard
are evident and further improvement are
progressing and being monitored. The
reduction in costs is in addition to reduced
costs for decorations which is no longer
routinely completed. Due to increased
void properties year to date compared to
2023/2024 the use of sub-contractors will
increase December - March.
Review evidence to
make final decision on
a 3-month (last
quarter of 2024/2025)
moratorium on non-
essential housing
repairs to focus
resources on the repair
of the Councils'
housing properties.
13-Dec-
2024
Yes
Complete review of
referral/communication
processes between
void team and
Helptomove
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Engage with Consumer 30-Sep- Yes
Develop a process
including exploring
potential partnering
arrangements to
address lengthy
delays by energy
31-Dec-
2025 Nicola Pettigrew

Page 7

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Scotland to discuss
problems encountered
and provide case
studies to support
national focus on
holding energy
companies accountable
to resolve meter issues
more efficiently
2024
Introduce new report
from help the move to
identify move ins with
no end date meter
readings to enable
more accurate billing
information
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Introduce weekly
monitoring report for
support worker to track
progress of complex
meter issues and
update to teams
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Review liaison
arrangements with
Helpthemove ensuring
appropriate
representation to input
to operational
challenges
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Develop escalation
process with
helpthemove on more
problematic meter
problems
31-Oct-
2024
Yes
suppliers in the
reletting process.
Explore other providers
to establish if can
provide additional
support to
helpthemove
arrangements
Yes
Accelerate the 31-Mar- A significant milestone was achieved Karen Rae

Page 8

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Seek HACC approval of
new strategy - aim to
bring 25 properties per
year back into use
30-Nov-
2024
Yes
reduction of private
sector empty homes
by delivering a new
Long Term Empty
Homes Strategy
2025
which seen the approval of the new
Empty Homes Strategy by committee on
the 20th of November
Review numbers of
empty homes brough
back into use at end of
current financial year
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Carry put early
consultation with
tenants to inform
revised Repairs Policy
and ensure tenant
priorities are delivered.
30-Jun-
2024
Yes
HRA Value for Money
Group to develop
revised Repairs Policy
which will meets tenant
priorities and reflects
input from key
stakeholders.
31-Aug-
2024
Yes
Deliver with tenant
representatives a
new repairs policy
30-Nov-
2024
Seek approval for
revised Repairs Policy
from Housing and
Communities
Committee November
2024.
20-Nov-
2024
Yes
Stefan Kristmanns
Ensure new repairs
policy achieves key
objectives
30-Nov-
2024
New repairs policy was approved by the
HACC Committee in November 2024. The
policy will achieve objectives to improve
the reactive repair service, making this
more efficient whilst meeting tenants’
expectations. Work is progressing to get
the new policy live by 1 April 2025.       
Martin Feeney
Review and agree the
new 70% allocation to
transfer applicants for
all new builds
30-Aug-
2024
Yes
new media/drive for 16-Feb- Yes
Review and promote
Allocations Policy
flexibilities and
enhanced Transfer
Incentive Scheme
31-Mar-
2025 Claire McKay

Page 9

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
downsizing etc 2025linked to the review
of the Housing
Allocations approach
Review current transfer
incentive scheme
28-Feb-
2025
Yes
Introduce notification
to Repair and
Maintenance Manager
on voids properties due
for return on back of
transfer move in
advance of sign-up
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Introduce robust pre-
allocation house
assessments process
which embeds ongoing
discussions with
Building Services to
highlight condition of
voids and recharges as
required
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Introduced homeless
liaison meetings in
advance handover
dates to identify
existing WDC tenants
with open homeless
case
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Prepare lettings
initiative action plan
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Identify properties for
each quota and engage
with relevant teams to
finalise
31-Oct-
2024
Yes
Actively introduce a
pre letting process
initially linked to the
transfer led
allocation process for
new build social
housing
31-Aug-
2025
Action on track and final milestone will be
achieved with the target time of August
2025.
Review house
assessment form to
ensure capturing
relevant information
via HO mobile app
31-Aug-
2025
No
Nicola Pettigrew
Project board to agree
options for HACC
31-Mar-
2025
YesDeliver the
recommendations
31-Mar-
2026
Action on track and deliverables
programmed from November 2024 Claire McKay

Page 10

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
following all feasibility
studies and financial
reviews
Linked to action
H/RRTP/19-24/064
HACC approval on
options
30-Nov-
2025
Nofrom the Supported
Housing Review
Carry out procurement
exercise to meet new
needs and options
agreed
30-Jan-
2026
No
Establish project plan
and resource
requirement
30-Nov-
2024
Yes
Initial Report findings
to be presented and
recommendations
agreed at Better
Homes Project Board
30-Sep-
2025
No
Stock assessment to
be undertaken against
key technical and
operational indicators
to assess performance
30-Sep-
2025
No
Finding to inform
refreshed Housing
Asset Management
Strategy which will be
presented to August
Housing and
Communities
Committee
30-Sep-
2025
No
Carry out a
comprehensive
assessment of our
housing stock to
ensure it can deliver
the key priorities
within the Local
Housing Strategy
30-Oct-
2025
Action on track and will inform the
development of the refreshed housing
asset management strategy.
Implementation Plan
including the focused
regeneration initiatives
to be led by Housing
Development Co-
ordinator (Better
Homes)
30-Oct-
2025
No
Jackie McRory
Continue to roll out 31-Mar- Environmental sensors now installed at Emily Dorrian

Page 11

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
1000 Homes 31-Oct-
2024
Yesour approach to
address
condensation,
dampness and
mould within our
homes through the
use of smart
technology that
strengthens housing
management
2025
over 2000 homes
2000 homes 31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Initial Proposal
developed
18-Oct-
2024
Yes
The initial introduction
of 2 new compliance
roles to be managed
within the housing
service and dedicated
to HRA properties
(phase 1)
28-Feb-
2025
Yes
Implementation of
Phase 1
31-Oct-
2025
No
Deliver new
proactive approach
to ensure our
housing stock
continues to meet all
statutory compliance
requirements
31-Oct-
2025
Delayed in terms of the recruitment
aspect, will progress before the end of
September.
Review of planned
approach with tenant
representatives and
paper to be submitted
to Better Homes Board
in September
regarding a potential
Phase 2 to ensure
compliance
requirements are met
31-Oct-
2025
No
John Kerr
Obtain baseline data to
support VFM in
promoting mutual
exchange options with
applicants
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Review functionality
and best practice with
HomeSwapper
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
Maximise use of
Home Swapper to
meet rehousing need
of transfer applicants
31-Oct-
2025 Nicola Pettigrew

Page 12

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Introduce quarterly
marketing information
via social media,
tenants’ news to
maximise awareness
28-Feb-
2025
Yes
Complete marketing
awareness campaign to
increase use of
homeswapper
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Add link to online
housing application
form to direct to home
swapper and increase
uptake
30-Apr-
2025
Yes
targeted campaign -
news article
highlighting how easy
text transfer applicants
with no housing need
access Facebook
groups to link with
homeswapper
31-May-
2025
Yes
Identify additional
resource required to
support home swapper
back admin functions
required
31-Oct-
2025
No
Review VFM annual
costing of home
swapper and consider
if in-house platform
could be developed
(similar to rent insights
approach)
31-Oct-
2025
No
Gather all information
on all leases for an
overview
30-Nov-
2024
Yes
Begin
consultation/actions to
31-Sep-
2025
No
Review of all current
lease agreements
within context of
housing emergency
(e.g., Safe as
31-Oct-
2025
Action on track will help ensure best use
of housing stock.
John Kerr

Page 13

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
end any leases we no
longer think
appropriate - report to
HIB
Houses scatter flats
and impact on
generating
homelessness) Review all leases and
decide whether best
use of housing stock
31-Sep-
2025
Yes
Deliver housing
Capital Investment
Programme to
ensure all homes
meet the Scottish
Housing Quality
Standard
31-Mar-
2025
Housing Capital Investment projects
competed for 24-25 contributing to
improving SHQS compliance. %
compliance numbers are being collated
for year-end reporting and SHR ARC
Alan Young
Maximise the use of
existing housing
systems to support
effective stock
management
31-Mar-
2026
action being taken forward as part of
IHMS Improvement Plan, IHMS team
working with a nominated Senior Housing
Development Officer to ensure the system
meets wider housing service needs before
involving key managers   
Graham Watters
Explore options for a
common mutual
exchange WDC wide
scheme
31-Mar-
2026
No
Explore options of a
common downsizing
scheme for social
landlords in west
Dunbartonshire
31-Mar-
2026
NoExplore establishing
a common
downsizing WDC
wide scheme and a
mutual exchange
site
31-Mar-
2026
Initial progress has been made through
discussion with RSL representatives.
Explore requirements
of a dedicated resource
to facilitate increased
numbers if downsizers
and mutual exchanges
31-Mar-
2026
No
Claire McKay
Icon Name
3: Enhancing housing access & prevention of homelessness

Page 14

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Review current
information on
different platforms
31-Aug-
2025
No
explore option of stock
and turnover tool being
added to the public
31-Oct-
2025
No
Carry out a
communications
audit to ensure
tenants and services
fully informed on
housing availability
in WDC
31-Mar-
2026
Action newly commenced and will be
delivered within timeframe.
create a briefing and
offer to attend services
team meetings to
discuss housing in
WDC
31-Mar-
2026
No
Claire McKay
Develop and
implement transfer
led approach to new
build housing
allocations
31-Aug-
2024
Action has been achieved but will be
monitored and a report will follow initially
to the More Homes Project Board
recommending any refinements following
a review of Clydebank East detailing we
are making allocations based on housing
need and there is visibility that it is
tackling homelessness.
Committee Approval in
place and ensure
ongoing tenant support
30-Aug-
2024
Yes
John Kerr
Set up meeting with all
senior management
from both HSCP and
Housing/Homeless to
take forward
discussions
29-Nov-
2024
Yes
Strengthen strategic
leadership approach
with HSCP regarding
housing emergency
30-Jun-
2025
Follow up actions from
joint meeting
25-Apr-
2025
Yes
Peter Barry; Margaret-
Jane Cardno
set up new meeting of
the housing bill group
now Bill is through
stage 1
30-Oct-
2024
Yes
Discuss options for
task force - link to
timeline for the bill
29-Nov-
2024
Yes
Establish a Task
Force approach to
engage public bodies
to promote
prevention measures
linked to the Housing
(Scotland) Bill
31-Dec-
2025
Task force established and expectation is
Stage 2 of the BILL will make its way
through Parliament in 2025.
Develop West
Dunbartonshire
approach
01-Sep-
2025
No
John Kerr
Develop a new 01-Apr- Claire McKay

Page 15

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Finalise draft of
strategy following
consultation (Aug until
Dec)
31-Dec-
2024
Yes
Seek HACC approval of
new strategy
28-Feb-
2025
Yes
refreshed strategic
approach to the
prevention of
homelessness
through the delivery
of a Housing
Solutions Strategy
2025
Embed and deliver new
strategy
01-Apr-
2025
Yes
VAWG partnership
supportive of action
H/HEDAP/2024/038
but will be carrying out
a self-assessment of
the group where
Prevention will be a
key element
30-Nov-
2024
Yes
In partnership with
Violence Against
Women Partnership
deliver a refreshed
focus on preventing
negative housing
situations as a result
of domestic abuse.
31-Dec-
2024
deliver action
H/HEDAP/2024/038
31-Dec-
2024
Yes
Claire McKay
Job evaluation 01-Aug-
2025
No
Direct Matches &
Matching Pools and
Expressions of Interest
29-Aug-
2025
No
Full implement the
introduction of the
Housing Solutions
Service following on
from the
Homelessness
Service redesign
31-Dec-
2025
The implementation of the new service
delivery model has been amened due to
the job evaluation timescales.
Service Rebranding
Action List
31-Dec-
2025
No
Joanne Sutherland
Agree in principle
online form and tweak
to ensure all aspects
covered
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
RSL to seek Committee
approval on form
before being finalised
30-Nov-
2024
Yes
Agree data sharing
agreement and
Information to be used
on the website for all
involved and link
13-Jun-
2025
Yes
In partnership with
local RSLs develop
and implement a
common application
form for all social
housing providers in
West Dunbartonshire
as part of the
development of a
Common Housing
Register
17-Oct-
2025 Claire McKay

Page 16

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Agree Launch online
form
01-Oct-
2025
No
this is linked to Action
48 being achieved first
31-Oct-
2024
Yes
Delivery of stock sheet
training and Team
Leader
Support/shadowing in
interviews.
28-Feb-
2025
Yes
Development and trial
of Housing Solutions
paperwork and
personal housing plan.
28-Feb-
2025
Yes
Review process once
new structure in place
30-Sep-
2025
No
Completion to module
6 housing options
toolkit for all casework
staff
30-Sep-
2025
Yes
Introduce a
comprehensive
housing options
interviews at
application stage to
manage demand and
options
31 Dec-
2025
Will be delivered within the new service
redesign within the Housing Solutions
service
Housing Options
Survey and
presentation to all
casework staff
30-Sep-
2025
Yes
Joanne Sutherland
Decision paper for
Housing Improvement
Board to agree the
extent of the review
31-Aug-
2024
Yes
meeting of Co-
ordinators to agree the
remit
30-Sep-
2024
Yes
new paper to HIB
agreeing new
proposals of the remit
31-Dec-
2024
Yes
update guidance and
relevant policies on
agreed remit
31-Dec-
2024
Yes
Review remit of
Housing Allocations
Panel to reflect a
homelessness
prevention
perspective
(domestic, at risk,
others that would
otherwise present)
31-Jan-
2025
communicate and 31-Jan- Yes
Claire McKay

Page 17

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
update new remit to all
staff
2025
Review current open
Homeless cases with
children
06-Dec-
2024
Yes
Joint meeting between
Homelessness and
Housing operations
focusing cases who do
not have an offer
20-Dec-
2024
Yes
following on identify
any new processes to
be implemented and
rolled out to help
continually reduce
times children spend in
temporary
accommodation
31-Jan-
2025
Yes
Using additional
Temporary
accommodation funds
to focus on acquisitions
for those households in
temp with children
waiting on offers
06-Apr-
2025
Yes
Deliver a refreshed
process which will
ensure that time in
minimised for
children in all forms
of temporary
accommodation
31-Aug-
2025
ongoing monthly
monitoring of numbers
to review and
maximise offers
31-Augl-
2025
Yes
Claire McKay
Carry out recent
research around
stigma and homeless
with view to creating
further actions to take
forward
20-Dec-
2024
Yes
Liaise with WDC
comms team on
appropriate campaign
actions
31-Jan-
2025
Yes
Design and deliver a
dynamic public
awareness campaign
focused on the
realities of
homelessness and
housing need
31-Aug-
2025
Donna Kirkwood; Mayra
Nunes

Page 18

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Review WDC homeless
webpage content to
ensure appropriate
language/images used
around homelessness.
03-Feb-
2025
Yes
Identify positive case
studies detailing
household
circumstances and
support provided by
WDC to resolve
homelessness to
highlight help available
and realities of
homelessness.
31-Jul-
2025
Yes
Prepare article for
Housing News, include
positive case study and
advice around
homelessness
31-Aug-
2025
Yes
Review of Pathway 1
cases (i.e., those
homeless but not in
temporary
accommodation)
over 6 months to
assess if in stable
accommodation (and
close if this is
confirmed)
30-Apr-
2025
295 homeless
applications where
temporary
accommodation wasn’t
required, 198 cases
closed when applicants
given a housing
outcome. 86 cases
closed no housing
outcome. Most
common; asked to
leave, fleeing domestic
violence and
relationship
breakdowns.
Yes
Joanne Sutherland
Linked to action 48
being achieved first
31-Oct-
2024
YesIntroduce a
consistent
assessment of
housing and support
needs regardless of
01-Sep-
2025 review support process
once new housing
04-Aug-
2025
No
Claire McKay; Joanne
Sutherland

Page 19

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
if a tenant or
presenting as
homeless
solutions services are
rolled out
Recruitment of new co-
ordinator required to
take forward
31-Dec-
2025
No
Develop and
implement a new
approach to
resettlement and
humanitarian
schemes
31-Mar-
2026
Recruitment of new post is scheduled to
commence in August 2025
once restructure and
recruitment in place
new co-ordinator to
review current
approach
31-Mar-
2026
No Claire McKay
Minimise and
eradicate the use of
unsuitable
accommodation for
homeless households
31-Mar-
2025
Continue with monthly
analysis of placements
in unsuitable
accommodation and
breaches of UAO.
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Joanne Sutherland
Objective 1 - whole
system approach
27-Apr-
2025
Yes
Objective 2 - rapid
rehousing (16 weeks)
27-Apr-
2025
Yes
Objective 3 - interim
housing options
27-Apr-
2025
Yes
Deliver the outcomes
of the Rapid
Rehousing Transition
Plan
30-Apr-
2025
Objective 4 - housing
first
27-Apr-
2025
Yes
Claire McKay
Linked to action =one
Door being achieved
first
31-Oct-
2025
Yes
Explore expanding a
homelessness
prevention approach
and better managed
demand for
temporary
accommodation
31-Mar-
2026
Analysis has been carried out, the
changes indicate prevention work has
been successful, where previous cases
who did not require temporary
accommodation are receiving successful
outcomes without the need to make a
homeless application which has meant
those who have been presenting as
homeless have also required temporary
accommodation rather than being able to
stay with friends or have a temporary
option available. Prevention workshops
will be held in the Autumn which will
complete this action.
review in line with
decrease of pathway 1
and increased need to
for temp
13-Mar-
2026
No
Joanne Sutherland
Introduce a 30-Nov- Joanne Sutherland

Page 20

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Action 48 needs
achieved first
31-Oct-
2024
Yes"Mediation First"
approach to housing
applications for
16–19-year-olds (as
a homelessness
prevention
approach)
2025
Restructure - once in
place and introduction
of youth specialist
team put process in
place
30-Nov-
2025
No
actions 37, 42, 46 and
47 can then follow on
from this action if
achieved
31-Oct-
2024
Yes
Paper on the possible
vision to be taken to
Access to Housing
Group in Sep 2025)
30-Sep-
2025
No
Agree principles
relating to new one
door housing access
system aligned to the
new Housing Solutions
service
30-Sep-
2025
No
Implement a ‘One
Door’ preventative
housing access
system under one
service to prepare
for new prevention
duties.
31-Dec-
2025
Proposal being developed and will be
introduced for discussion at the next
Access to Housing Board (September)
Develop
implementation plan
31-Oct-
2025
No
John Kerr
review current
provision
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Upscale the Housing
First programme
through collaborative
commissioning
30-Sep-
2025
linked to wider discussions with HSCP
Take forward actions
agreed following HSCP
meeting
30-Sep-
2025
No Claire McKay
Deliver and
implement in
partnership with RSL
a Common Housing
Register for West
Dunbartonshire
31-Mar-
2026
The launch of the Common application
form in October 2025 signifies the
beginning of the development of an
operating CHR in West Dunbartonshire. Claire McKay
Review current
information available
to the public
31-Aug-
2025
No
create a project plan 01-Sep- No
Carry out
communication audit
to help manage
current and future
01-Apr-
2026
Action newly commenced and will deliver
within timeframe. Donna Kirkwood; Claire
McKay

Page 21

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
following the review of
information on our
webpages
2025
tenants’ and
partners
expectations better
on housing
availability
Make contact with
other partners to
provide better
understood housing
information
31-Dec-
2025
No
Include exploring
use of supported
lodging whilst
reviewing different
temporary
accommodation for
young people
01-Apr-
2026
Action commenced following introduction
at Housing Summit in February 2025
Contact other LAs with
supported lodgings
01-Oct-
2025
No
Claire McKay; Mayra
Nunes
Carry out modelling
reviewing backlog,
expected demand and
turnover with a view to
reducing current letting
ask
30-Apr-
2025
Yes
Review housing
allocation % to
households who
experience
homelessness
01-May-
2025
Seek HIB approval and
ask RSL to match
01-May-
2025
Yes
Claire McKay
Icon Name
4: Strengthen the Financial viability and capacity of the Housing Revenue Account and associated Housing and Homelessness budgets
Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Building services action
plan created
31-Oct-
2024
YesComplete the review
of Building Services
Repairs and
Maintenance service
costs to deliver
immediate
efficiencies to the
HRA
31-Mar-
2025
Building Services - Service Costs
Recovery and Management of the HRA
Maintenance and Repairs Budgets
2024/2025 is progressing well with all
high priority actions 90% or more
complete at 23/01/2025. These action
include improving service efficiency,
effective financial management and
improve people management practice
Deliver action plan -
include service
efficacies
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Martin Feeney

Page 22

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
within the service. 
Explore innovative
housing investment
and partnership
models to maximise
housing investment
approaches
30-Nov-
2025
Action on track but completion date
pushed back to November.  Good
progress made through the More Homes
Board and the establishment of an LLP John Kerr
Agreement made in
24/25
CFO agreed to full
whole system review of
HRA payments that will
begin once Year end
work completed in
2025.
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Carry out review of
HRA contributions to
other non-housing
Council service areas
31-Mar-
2026
take forward actions
following whole system
review of all HRA
payments by Chief
Finance Officer
31-Mar-
2026
No
Peter Barry
Examine the
capacity of the HRA
and the Council's
General Fund to
deliver agreed
housing ambitions
30-Jun-
2025
further review this
action has been closed
as linked to action 53
31-Mar-
2025
Yes
Peter Barry; Laurence Slavin
Develop a 3-year
rental strategy in
partnership with
tenants to ensure
tenant priorities and
strategic housing
ambitions can be
delivered
30-Nov-
2026
Discussions around the viability of a 3-
year rental strategy from the period
2026-29 will be taken forward via the
HRA Value for Money Group. 
work has begun via
HRA value for money
subgroup - paper will
be taken to the Aug 25
HACC for agreement
30-Aug-
2025
No
Stefan Kristmanns
several actions part of
the review already
taken place saving
money
31-Mar-
2025
YesReview Building
Services structures
and external
contractors to
31-Dec-
2025
Significant work completed to review BS
structures and external contracts to
reduce cost and improve efficiency Peter Barry

Page 23

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
Review Building
Services structures
and external
contractors to
ensure best value
Significant work completed to review BS
structures and external contracts to
reduce cost and improve efficiency
Last actions as part of
the review to be taken
forward
30-Nov-
2025
No
Working with other
local authority
partner re-examine
housing finance
position in Scotland
to promote the
delivery of new
social housing
including the
treatment of historic
HRA Capital Debt
31-Mar-
2025
Council Officers participated in the
Housing Investment Taskforce through
ALACHO.
Joint work with COSLA 01-Mar-
2025
Yes
Claire McKay
Review
homelessness
services funding with
aim of being able to
reduce level of
temporary
accommodation and
free up staff
resource
31-Mar-
2026
Ongoing action and alignment with the
Housing Solutions service redesign
John Kerr
Develop a refreshed
funding delivery
model for the
delivery of new
housing in light of
increased borrowing
levels exploring
increased grant
benchmark levels
09-May-
2025
Work ongoing in terms of this action to
ensure we can continue to deliver the
required new housing at sustainable scale
take paper to more
homes board for
approval on the
viability of new agreed
benchmarking (£120K)
30-Apr-
2025
Yes
John Kerr
Directly lobby the
Scottish Government
to ensure the cost of
achieving net zero in
social housing is met
with national funding
to ensure rental
30-Apr-
2025
Link in via SIG this has
fed into both COSLA
and ALACHO being
clear tenants should
pay, and all measures
should be fully funded
by Scottish
30-Apr-
2025
Yes
Claire McKay

Page 24

Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due
Date Done Assigned To
income can be
utilised for improving
current and
developing new
social housing.
government - awaiting
SG publication
Action Status
Cancelled
Overdue; Neglected
Unassigned; Check Progress
Not Started; In Progress; Assigned
Completed
PI Status
Alert
Warning
OK
Unknown
Data Only
Long Term Trends
Improving
No Change
Getting Worse
Short Term Trends
Improving
No Change
Getting Worse
Risk Status
Alert
High Risk
Warning

Page 25

OK
Unknown