A local Councillor has called for Fife Council to do more to tackle a shortage of social housing in the West Fife Villages.
Cllr. Graeme Downie, Scottish Labour Council for West Fife & Coastal Villages, says housing issues have been one of the issues raised most by constituents since he was elected in May 2022 and believes a shortage of supply is at the heart of the problem.
Cllr. Downie has asked for a meeting with Cllr. Judy Hamilton, Spokesperson for Housing & Building Services, to update her on current shortages and ask what more can be done to increase supply by Fife Council.
In particular, Cllr. Downie says he is concerned about shortages of suitable accommodation for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Commenting, Cllr. Downie, said:
“Since I was elected, housing is one of the areas that people have been in touch about the most.”
“I have heard from a wheelchair user living in an upstairs flat who has been waiting on a more suitable home for five years. I have heard from people living in private rented accommodation that is not suitable for them because of health conditions they have. Alongside that I have heard from people in their 30s living with their parents who just want somewhere nearby of their own.”
“Officers have been fantastic helping with individual cases but it is clear that we have a shortage of appropriate housing for social rent in places like High Valleyfield and Oakley.”
“These problems will take time to fix, of course, but I have written to Cllr. Hamilton today to ask her provide an assessment of the overall problem and what plans can be put in place to address it.”