What is the policy/strategy/function trying to achieve/do?
The Local Housing Strategy (LHS) sets out our vision and priorities for housing in North Lanarkshire over the next two years. It aims to increase affordable housing supply, improve the quality and energy efficiency of homes, prevent and eradicate homelessness, support people with specific housing needs, and help create well‑designed, sustainable communities.
If this policy is subject to the Fairer Scotland Duty, what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio‑economic disadvantage?
The LHS is likely to have a broadly positive impact on socio‑economic disadvantage by increasing access to affordable homes, improving energy efficiency, supporting income maximisation and strengthening homelessness prevention. Some external pressures remain, including affordability issues and rising living costs, however these are not caused by the LHS and the strategy includes actions and monitoring arrangements that help identify and mitigate risks for those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
Details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
The LHS affects groups in different ways:
Age
Actions to deliver accessible, adaptable and wheelchair‑standard homes, alongside specialist provision such as amenity and retirement housing, will support older people to live safely and independently at home. Younger adults may be differentially affected by shortages of entry‑level housing.
Disabled people
Commitments to deliver wheelchair standard homes in both council and RSL new build programmes, alongside increased amenity and accessible housing will directly benefit disabled people by improving access to suitable, safe and adaptable homes.
Sex
A strengthened housing response to domestic abuse through trauma informed practice, Safe & Together approaches, and a dedicated domestic abuse housing policy will have a differentially positive impact on women, who remain at higher risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse.
Race
Actions to improve engagement with Gypsy/Traveller communities and to identify any potential opportunities whilst awaiting the publication of the national toolkit, will strengthen understanding of local requirements. This is likely to have positive impact by supporting better planning for appropriate accommodation.
Children and Families
Commitments to increase the supply of affordable housing, including family‑sized accommodation, will directly benefit households with children, including those experiencing homelessness. Increased focus on homelessness prevention, reduction of time spent in temporary accommodation, and ongoing work to better understand and respond to the needs of households with children will have a positive impact on families experiencing homelessness.
Care experienced young people
Actions delivered through the Homeless Action Plan to improve transitions, increase reception flats and enhance housing support, is likely to have positive impact on care experienced young people.
Homeless households
A range of measures focused on preventing homelessness, reducing time spent in temporary accommodation and strengthening support for households who are homeless or at risk, will contribute to more positive outcomes.
Asylum seekers and refugees
May face barriers linked to language, unfamiliarity with systems and NRPF restrictions which will be supported through co-ordinated resettlement work and dedicated housing officers.
What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?
Mitigation focuses on measures already embedded within service delivery, as adverse impacts largely stem from wider demographic or economic pressures rather than the LHS itself. Key measures include:
- Ongoing monitoring of homelessness trends, affordability pressures, and children in temporary accommodation.
- Clear communication and support for households affected by net zero heating installations.
- Work to reduce digital exclusion through improved digital connectivity and signposting to digital skills support.
- Tailored support for vulnerable groups through income maximisation services, housing support, trauma informed practice and resettlement pathways.
No additional actions are proposed within the scope of this interim strategy, but impacts will be monitored through the LHS annual review.
What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA?
The EqIA concludes that the interim LHS is likely to have a broadly positive impact and will help support the reduction of socio‑economic disadvantage. While some groups may experience differential impacts, these are either positive or relate to external pressures not created by the LHS.
It is recommended that the interim LHS is introduced, with ongoing monitoring and continued engagement to identify any emerging issues requiring future action.