Published: Wednesday, 7th July, 2010 12:57pm

Council misses out on handout for new homes

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Keith Brown MSP

KEITH Brown MSP has attacked Clackmannanshire Council for what he says is a failure to tackle the county's crippling shortage of social housing.

On Monday the Scottish Government announced its third round of funding to provide council housing and from the £30 million allocated there won't be a penny spent in the Wee County as the local authority did not apply for a share.

Including the previous two funding rounds, from April and December last year, Clackmannanshire has been awarded just £600,000 to build 24 homes from a pot of £80 million even though it is identified as being amongst the top 10 local authorities in terms of homelessness pressures.

Ochil's SNP representative at Holyrood said it was a "no brainer" to apply for funding. However, the council's portfolio holder for inclusion, Labour councillor Sam Ovens, has hit back saying they are investing in council housing and accused Mr Brown of being out of touch with reality.

Under the scheme the government contributes up to £30,000 for each new home built and it is expected 3298 council properties will be constructed across the country.

Mr Brown said, "It is beyond belief that Clackmannanshire Council turned their back on the opportunity to start tackling the crippling shortage of social housing in the area.

"Around one-third of people in Clackmannanshire live in council or housing association homes, but that just doesn't meet demand. Thousands of people in Clackmannanshire are on waiting lists and I see many of them as they come into my office on a daily basis looking for help."