Clackmannanshire Council Online

Message from Councillor Jane McTaggart

Message from Councillor Jane McTaggart

Since my statement last year there have been significant modifications to our rent structure. These changes have led to a system that is both fairer and more equitable, reflecting the high standards we have come to expect in Clackmannanshire. We continue to excel in areas such as repairs response times, customer service, tenant engagement, innovative approaches and maintaining an exemplary safety record.

Clackmannanshire is recognised for its proactive stance; we do not passively accept challenges but rather address them head-on with a positive and solution-focused attitude. This ensures our services remain of the highest quality for those who matter most—our residents, rent payers, and communities.

The Council consistently receives commendations from the Scottish Government, and a number of our pilot schemes have been adopted nationally.

With a housing crisis affecting the entire country, we are determined to find cost-effective and efficient solutions. As outlined in this report, we have made progress in expanding our housing stock, leveraging both Scottish Government funding and our own borrowing capacity to ensure we offer the best value in meeting the rising demand for social housing. We are committed to continuing this work, with several promising projects under consideration that we hope will come to fruition within this financial year.

Work on the Westhaugh Travellers’ site is ongoing, and as I attend meetings with residents, I can sense the growing anticipation as they look forward to returning to their homes and community. 

Although the issues with RAAC are not entirely resolved, substantial progress has been made in recent months. Renovation work is about to begin in Tillicoultry, offering much-needed hope to affected residents.

Our latest Annual Assurance Statement indicates further improvements, with statistics showing that Clackmannanshire exceeds the national average in nearly all areas under scrutiny. Our Housing team also conducts monthly performance meetings for Elected Members, providing valuable insights into our ongoing work. At the most recent meeting, the Scottish Housing Network presented a detailed analysis highlighting our Housing team’s excellent performance, which consistently surpasses national and neighbouring local authority averages. The dedication of our team ensures that our residents and rent payers receive exceptional service.

In recognition of their commitment and outstanding work, the team has been shortlisted by the Chartered Institute of Housing for the prestigious Housing Team of the Year award. The winner will be announced in mid-November, and I wish our team the very best of luck. This is well deserved and reflects their tireless dedication.

Councillor Jane McTaggart
Spokesperson
Housing and Property