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Housing Minister Visits West Lothian to Advance Affordable Housing Agenda

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 16:28 GMT by Daily Record

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Housing Minister Visits West Lothian to Push Forward Affordable Housing Agenda

In a high‑profile visit to West Lothian, the Scottish Housing Minister (Ms Shona Robison) met with local councillors, community groups and developers to discuss a range of issues that sit at the heart of the region’s housing crisis. The meeting – held at the West Lothian Council chambers on Thursday – aimed to strengthen the partnership between the Scottish Government and the council in delivering more affordable homes, improving council housing standards and tackling homelessness.

A Focus on New Construction and Regeneration

A central theme of the discussion was the council’s ambitious plan to deliver 2,000 new homes over the next five years. The minister highlighted the government’s “Housing for All” pledge, which commits the Scottish Parliament to build 10,000 new homes across the country by 2025. “We need to be sure that the people of West Lothian have the chance to get a decent place to live, without the stress of a sky‑high rent,” Ms Robison told the council’s Housing Committee.

The council’s draft strategy – published on its website (https://wlc.gov.uk/affordable-housing) – outlines several key projects. One of the most visible is the redevelopment of the old “Sunderland” landfill site in the town of Bathgate, which will see the construction of 400 mixed‑tenure homes, a community hub and green spaces. The minister praised the council’s “forward‑looking approach to site utilisation” and urged them to fast‑track the planning application, which is currently pending approval from the Scottish Planning Minister.

A second project on the agenda is the conversion of the derelict “Bannockburn” school building into 60 affordable flats. The minister noted that this would help to address the council’s housing backlog and would provide a much‑needed boost to the local economy. She added that the Scottish Government would support the council with financial guarantees for the redevelopment.

Tackling Homelessness and Improving Council Housing

Beyond new construction, the meeting also tackled the issue of homelessness. The minister reiterated that the Scottish Government is committed to ending homelessness by 2035, and that West Lothian is a key partner in achieving that goal. She praised the council’s “high‑quality” accommodation in the “Harris” area, which is part of a broader scheme to improve the standard of existing council homes.

Councillors raised concerns about the council’s housing stock, noting that many of the council’s 5,000 homes are over 30 years old and in need of refurbishment. The minister agreed and announced that the Housing Minister would work with the council to secure £2 million in funding for “refurbishment and modernization” of older properties. The minister also stressed the importance of integrating energy‑efficient solutions, such as solar panels and smart heating systems, to reduce carbon emissions and utility costs for residents.

Community Voice and Collaboration

A number of local community groups – including the “West Lothian Residents Association” and the “Bathgate Housing Action Group” – were invited to share their perspectives. They highlighted the need for greater transparency in the planning process and called for a more inclusive approach to decision‑making. Ms Robison assured them that the Scottish Government would set up a “Community Engagement Hub” on the council’s website (https://wlc.gov.uk/engagement) where residents can provide feedback on proposed projects and track the progress of housing initiatives.

The minister also welcomed the council’s partnership with local developers, particularly the “Bannockburn Homes” consortium, which has pledged to use locally sourced materials and skilled labour. She added that the government would encourage similar collaborations across the country to stimulate job creation and support the domestic construction industry.

Looking Ahead

At the close of the meeting, the minister thanked the council for its efforts and emphasised that the government remains a committed partner in delivering better homes for West Lothian residents. She promised to keep the council updated on upcoming policy changes, including a new “Affordable Housing Fund” that will become available next quarter. The council’s leader, Councillor Claire Hawthorn, expressed her optimism: “With the Scottish Government’s backing, we’re well‑positioned to transform our housing landscape and create a brighter future for the people of West Lothian.”

For those wishing to stay informed, the council’s official website offers a dedicated section on housing, complete with downloadable plans, a map of upcoming developments, and a regular news feed. The minister’s office also maintains a blog (https://housingminister.gov.uk/blog) where she posts updates on national housing policy, case studies and guidance for local authorities.

In the wake of the meeting, both the Scottish Government and West Lothian Council appear poised to make significant strides in addressing the pressing challenges of housing affordability, quality and accessibility – a critical step toward ensuring that the region’s communities can thrive in the years ahead.