Homelessness

A bit of a discussion has been going on in the Evening Tele. Someone called "Housing Observer" was wondering why the Council is demolishing houses when there are so many homeless people in Dundee. I wrote back with the figures.

The Council has around 900 households with homeless priority on its waiting list at any one time. In December of 2010 we had around 170 households in council provided temporary accommodation.

Some houses we have to demolish because they are in such poor condition. But since taking over the Council the SNP has decided to retain six multi storey blocks which would have been demolished under previous plans. We are now investing in them to improve security and, we hope, make them easier to heat.

At the foot of the Hilltown the Dallfield multis are being transformed. Good news is coming shortly about the much trailed recladding scheme, with a combined heat and power scheme to make them energy efficient and far more comfortable. Already there are very few vacancies in these multis, which used to be amongst the most sought after council houses in the city. They will be again!

Sadly it was too late to save the Derby Street multis. People have mixed feelings about their demolition. Some see it as a waste of 374 potentially attractive homes. Others are eagerly looking forward to more light, better views and new, more attractive houses being built in the area.

The credit crunch and Housing Benefit cuts will drive more and more people to the Council's door looking for decent huosing which they can afford. Our job is to provide that housing, keep standards up and balance the budget. There are some difficult times ahead, but we're making real progress.