Inverclyde's housing sector bosses pledge to work together

High levels of empty homes, the poor condition of much of the area's housing stock, low demand in many areas, and a lack of new-build properties were all brought up as major challenges to efforts to turn around Inverclyde's population decline - and in particular the falling number of working-age people living in the area.

The Tele recently reported on statistics, published by the Scottish Housing Regulator, that revealed almost one in 20 housing association properties in Inverclyde is lying empty - three times the rate for Scotland as a whole. 

The Beacon Arts Centre hosted the event. (Image: Contributed) Those attending the summit spoke about supporting regeneration strategies that are led by new housing, and enabling land to be provided for new, quality, sustainable homes.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council's convener of environment and regeneration, said: "This Housing Summit was an important event for Inverclyde which brought partners together to work collaboratively to unlock our housing challenges.

"Everyone there recognised the role good quality housing stock can play in the overall regeneration of Inverclyde.

Good quality housing has long been identified as a key driver in reversing population decline in Inverclyde. (Image: Contributed)

“Inverclyde is experiencing low levels of private and social house building and housing stock that doesn’t fully meet our current needs. Improving the range and quality of housing helps to bring more people to Inverclyde to live and work.

“We all know the challenges facing us but by bringing the right people together and focusing on the right action, we can continue to move ahead and make progress.”

The Scottish Housing Regulator's survey found that 520 homes owned by registered social landlords (RSLs) in Inverclyde were lying empty as of the end of February.

The vast majority, 447, were properties owned by the area's largest RSL, River Clyde Homes - which alone had a vacancy level of 7.3 per cent, nearly four and a half times the Scotland-wide figure.

Last year the Tele reported that it took an average of 263 days to re-let an empty house in Inverclyde, compared to the Scottish average of 56 days.

Councillors, social landlords, house builders and government representatives were all present at the event. (Image: Inverclyde Council) Seven other housing associations with properties in Inverclyde have empty homes on their books, according to the regulator's survey.

They were Bield with 18, Cloch with 16, Oak Tree with 21, Sanctuary with two and Trust with four, while Link and Larkfield had six empty homes each.

Only Key and Blackwood reported no empty homes to the regulator.

River Clyde Homes told the regulator that many of its vacant properties – particularly tenement flats with one or two bedrooms – are lying empty because no-one wants to live in them.

This week's housing summit was held at the Beacon Arts Centre and was attended by Inverclyde councillors, local MP Martin McCluskey, representatives from Stuart McMillan MSP, registered social landlords, private housebuilders, representatives from the Scottish Government and senior council officials.