Why we are engaging with North Lanarkshire Council (North Lanarkshire)
We are engaging with North Lanarkshire about its services for people who are homeless and stock quality.
During 2023/24, we reviewed and compared the data for all local authorities from the Scottish Government’s national homelessness statistics. We also spoke to all local authorities to gather further information and assurance about their homelessness services. To assess the risks to people who are threatened with or experiencing homelessness we will engage with all local authorities during 2024/25 with a focus on the provision of appropriate temporary accommodation.
North Lanarkshire has identified reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in some of its homes and other buildings. It has told us it has a plan in place to manage any associated risks. North Lanarkshire continues to investigate the extent of RAAC in its homes and other buildings.
What North Lanarkshire must do
North Lanarkshire must:
- send us the information we require in relation to its homelessness service;
- tell us about any emerging issues preventing it from fulfilling its statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation when it should and comply with the Unsuitable Accommodation Order;
- conclude its investigation into the extent of RAAC in its homes and other buildings as quickly as possible, and confirm the outcome to us; and
- tell us if there are any material adverse issues which might affect its capacity to manage the risks associated with RAAC.
What we will do
We will:
- meet with North Lanarkshire to discuss its homelessness service and decide whether we require any additional assurance;
- meet with North Lanarkshire to seek assurance if it does not provide temporary accommodation when it should, or if it breaches the Unsuitable Accommodation Order;
- review any information North Lanarkshire provides about RAAC in its homes and other buildings and engage as necessary; and
- update our published engagement plan in the light of any material change to our planned engagement with North Lanarkshire.
Regulatory returns
North Lanarkshire must provide us with the following annual regulatory returns:
- Annual Assurance Statement; and
- Annual Return on the Charter.
It should also notify us of any material changes to its Annual Assurance Statement, and any tenant and resident safety matter which has been reported to or is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive or reports from regulatory or statutory authorities or insurance providers, relating to safety concerns.