Cumbernauld and Moodiesburn First Stop Shops are the venues for a public question and answer opportunity as part of the council's consultation on plans to apply for 'Pressured Area Status' which will help the council retain as many homes as possible in the social rented sector. 

The evening roadshows will take place in Cumbernauld First Stop Shop on the 16 June from 5-7pm and in Moodiesburn First Stop Shop on the 23 June from 5-7pm.  At the roadshows, members of the public can speak to housing staff first hand and raise any issues or ask questions in relation to the 'Pressured Area Status' proposal.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 allows councils to apply to the Scottish Government to designate areas as being 'pressured' where there is a shortfall of affordable housing, including social rented housing.  A 'Pressured Area' status suspends the rights of some tenants from buying their council or housing association home for an initial period of five years in a specified area or areas.  The suspension does not apply to all tenants, only to new tenants and tenancies that began after the introduction of the Scottish Secure Tenancy (30 September 2002), introduced as part of the 2001 Act. Those who succeed to a tenancy, transfer or exchange tenancy will also be subject to Pressured Area Status.

Applying for 'Pressured Area Status' for social rented housing in the areas of Cumbernauld and Moodiesburn is a response to the shortfall in affordable housing, including social rented housing, in both these areas.  Applying for 'Pressured Area Status' means that the level of social housing available will not decline as quickly which is good news for local residents, particularly those who are currently on council waiting lists of who cannot afford to purchase their own property.

And these consultation events for local residents are taking place as part of the process of applying for 'Pressured Area Status'.

Councillor Barry McCulloch, Convener of the Housing and Social Work Services Committee said, "Local people play a key role in the consultation process in this area and at these events can discuss the implications of Pressured Area Status with staff.

"It's a good opportunity for people living in Moodiesburn and Cumbernauld to find out more and be part of important consultation which could impact on their future housing prospects."

Following consultation, an application may be submitted to the Scottish Government who will consider if the areas in question meet the criteria before agreeing to designate them as pressured areas.

If tenants have any questions they can contact the council's housing strategy team by telephoning 01698 274152.