By Alan Richardson

ADDITIONAL CASH from the reduction in council tax discount for the area’s hundreds of second homes are set to be used by Perth and Kinross council to fund affordable housing projects.

The council will reduce the discount from 50% to 10% from April, bringing in around £817,000 a year from 1800 properties.

The housing and health committee will vote on Wednesday how best to follow the Scottish Executive guidance requiring this money to meet affordable housing pro-vision and increase its supply.

It is proposed that the additional funds be allocated according to the needs of various areas of Perth and Kinross as set out in the Local Housing Strategy Investment Framework.

Priority would be given to supporting projects which, because of higher than usual drainage or development costs, might not be able to go ahead despite a clear need for additional affordable housing in that locality.

This approach, recommended by senior council officials, would allow the council to give grants to housing associations to buy land and fund new developments.

Convener of housing and health, Councillor Gordon Hunter, said, “We have a duty to make the best possible use of the extra revenue available to us.

“The rules from the Scottish Executive are fairly strict but these funds will allow the council to assist housing associations and other registered social landlords in increasing the supply of affordable homes.

“This is in line with our commitment to support the well-being of local communities for the future.

“I’m sure these funds can, and will, make a difference in the council’s efforts to secure more homes for rent in Perth and Kinross.”