INVERCLYDE MSP Stuart McMillan has helped secure a change in Scottish Government policy to help social landlords and homeowners across the area.

Last year, Mr McMillan met with Oak Tree, River Clyde Homes and Cloch housing associations to discuss the topic of homeowners who want to sell their properties and become tenants.

The associations say this helps homeowners who can't afford to carry out repairs, and also assists landlords to consolidate stock and do improvement works.

Until recently, a strategic acquisition fund only permitted landlords to buy properties if the owners were moving out.

Mr McMillan wrote to the cabinet secretary for social justice, housing and local government in October to suggest that the rule be changed.

The MSP has received a response confirming that funding can now be made available, following an agreement with Inverclyde Council and housing bodies.

Mr McMillan said: "Having the flexibility to allow these purchases to go ahead locally will help address some of the housing challenges we face."