Caldwell calls out net loss of local Council housing

At the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee on Tuesday 27th, Councillor Jack Caldwell raised concerns that

The data emerged on the back of a Liberal Democrat motion to get a more even spread of Council housing, especially in the north east of the city.

During 2023, Leith Walk ward saw a net reduction of 6 Council homes due to this policy.

Councillor Caldwell said "While the Acqusitions and Disposals Policy is designed to consolidate housing into manageable areas, this should not come at the expense of communities' stock of Council-owned social rent housing. It's also incredibly important that there is a good mix of housing in the area."

The Acquisitions and Disposals policy aims to ensure that Council housing is located together and 'disposals' are typically sold to other social-rent providers.

The Labour administration gave a commitment to monitor the impact on areas more closely going forward.