The latest update on the council’s Programme of Work for 2023 to 2028, shows that Gross Value Added (GVA) per head in the area has increased by 12.5% over the past year, compared to a national average of 9%.

Over the longer term, GVA has risen by 43% since The Plan for North Lanarkshire began in 2019, outperforming the Scottish average of 35%. This means that the area is producing more economic output per person and attracting more investment.

At the same time, the number of people claiming employment-related benefits has dropped significantly, with almost 1,000 fewer claimants than at the start of the plan six years ago.

Far reaching progress has been made to deliver the Programme of Work and council services work closely with local communities on a wide range of related projects, including:

• Work to upgrade parks, including biodiversity improvements at Palacerigg Country Park and better access to green spaces in Cumbernauld.
• The major housing supply programme, which will deliver more than 2,000 new homes, helping to regenerate neighbourhoods and meet local housing needs.
• The tower demolition programme continues to progress with phase one now complete and major demolitions planned in Motherwell for later this year.

Meanwhile, North Lanarkshire continues to be one of the most attractive places in the country to invest; property sales have surged—up by 90% in the last financial year—bringing in £145.7 million and seeing over 1.6 million square feet of business space sold.

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “These figures show that our long-term investment in communities, infrastructure and jobs is paying off.

“We’re seeing real economic growth and fewer people relying on benefits, which means more residents are finding work and opportunities.

“North Lanarkshire truly is becoming a place where people want to live, work, and invest—and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.”

The town and community hub programme is transforming communities by providing first-class community and educational facilities. Next to open will be the new Orbiston Community Hub in Bellshill, which will open to pupils in November this year.

Construction is also underway at:

• St Kevin’s Community Hub in Coatbridge
• Gartcosh Community Hub in the Northern Corridor
• St Stephen’s Community Hub in Coatbridge

Work has also started on an extension to Chryston High School and a new early years facility for third sector providers in the Northern Corridor.

Key achievements from the report also include:

• Out-of-work benefit rate now 3.1%, equal to the national average for the first time.
• Economic activity improving: 75.5% of working-age population now economically active.
• Economic inactivity down to 24.5%, the lowest rate since before the pandemic.
• Child poverty rates improving, down from 26.6% to 24.9%.
• Recorded crime down by 0.6% from 2023/24 to 2024/25.