The issue of social housing continues to be a pressing concern across many parts of the UK, and West Lothian is no exception. Recently, a report revealed a significant drop in the number of available social housing lets in the region, despite a growing demand for larger homes. The implications of this decline in available properties for rent are far-reaching, especially for vulnerable communities and those in need of stable, affordable housing. In this blog, we’ll explore the factors contributing to the decrease in social housing lets, the growing demand for larger homes, and the challenges faced by both local councils and residents in addressing these housing issues.
The State of Social Housing in West Lothian: A Snapshot
West Lothian, like many areas across the UK, has seen a reduction in the number of social housing lets available for rent. A report detailing the first quarter of 2025 revealed that only 130 homes were let between January and March, compared to 177 during the same period in 2024. This drop of 47 lets represents a concerning trend, one that could have a significant impact on local communities and individuals in need of housing assistance.
The reasons for this reduction in available social housing are multifaceted. Sarah Kelly, Housing Need Manager for West Lothian, stated that the decrease in lets is due to a lower turnover of properties and an increased focus on completing repairs on vacant homes. While repairs are necessary for maintaining the quality of housing, they can also delay the availability of properties for new tenants. This, in turn, reduces the number of homes that can be allocated to those on the waiting list.
Seven Communities Left with No Homes Available
Perhaps one of the most alarming findings from the report is that seven communities in West Lothian had no council homes available for the first three months of 2025. These areas—Bellsquarry, Craigshill, Ecclesmachen, Newton, Philipstoun, The Riggs and Threemiletown—were left with no available social housing options, putting additional pressure on the system and forcing residents to either wait longer for accommodation or seek alternative solutions.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that demand for social housing is rising, especially for larger homes. With limited availability and a growing population, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for councils to meet the needs of all residents, particularly those who require larger homes to accommodate their families.
Rising Demand for Larger Homes
One of the key trends identified in the report is the increasing demand for larger social housing properties. According to the findings, there has been a marked increase in the need for homes with three or more bedrooms. This demand is driven by several factors, including larger families, multi-generational households, and blended families.
In the past, many of West Lothian’s post-war housing estates were designed with larger homes to accommodate the needs of bigger families. However, the housing stock in the region has been shrinking in recent decades, with many new properties being built with fewer bedrooms. As a result, the small percentage of available larger homes is now in high demand, with families needing more space due to a range of factors, including children from previous relationships or multiple generations living under one roof.
In fact, out of the 14,000 council homes in West Lothian, fewer than 700 are four-bedroom homes or larger. This means that less than 5% of the total housing stock is suitable for families that need larger living spaces. With such a limited supply, it’s no surprise that many families are struggling to find appropriate accommodation.
The Impact of the Housing Shortage on Vulnerable Residents
The drop in social housing lets and the increasing demand for larger properties is having a significant impact on vulnerable residents in West Lothian. One of the most affected groups is the homeless population. In the first quarter of 2025, out of the 130 social housing lets, 79 were allocated to homeless individuals, highlighting the critical need for more affordable housing options for those in crisis.
Homelessness in the UK remains a persistent issue, with many individuals and families struggling to find a stable place to live. For these residents, social housing offers a lifeline, providing not just a roof over their heads but also access to essential services and support. However, with fewer properties available and a growing demand for larger homes, the housing crisis is becoming even more difficult to address.
The situation is compounded by the fact that social housing demand is not only driven by homelessness but also by other factors, such as rising rental prices in the private sector. As more people turn to social housing as a more affordable option, the pressure on councils to meet the growing need for accommodation intensifies.
Challenges Faced by West Lothian Council
For West Lothian Council, the challenges are clear. The council must balance the need for repairs and maintenance with the demand for new housing lets. Additionally, the lack of available funding for new housing projects, especially larger homes, further complicates the issue.
West Lothian’s housing stock is aging, and many properties are in need of significant repairs and upgrades. These repairs take time, which can delay the availability of homes for new tenants. While the council is working to address these issues, the limited budget for both repairs and new builds means that the supply of social housing is not growing at the pace required to meet demand.
Moreover, the lack of available larger homes means that families who need more space are often left waiting longer for suitable accommodation. This creates a bottleneck in the system, where smaller homes are allocated more frequently, but those in need of larger homes are left without options.
The Way Forward: What Needs to Be Done
To address the growing demand for social housing and ensure that vulnerable residents are not left without a place to live, several steps need to be taken.
- Increase Investment in Social Housing: The UK government must increase investment in both new social housing builds and the maintenance of existing properties. This includes allocating more funding for larger homes to meet the rising demand for family-sized accommodation.
- Improve Turnover Rates: Councils need to find ways to improve the turnover of available social housing. This could involve streamlining the repair and maintenance process to ensure that properties are made available for rent as quickly as possible.
- Prioritise Homeless Families and Vulnerable Groups: Given the rising demand for housing, councils should prioritise families and individuals with the most urgent needs. This includes homeless families, those with disabilities, and elderly individuals who may require accessible or specialised housing.
- Collaboration with Housing Associations: Collaboration between local councils and housing associations can help increase the availability of social housing. By working together, these organisations can pool resources to build more homes and provide better support for residents.
- Support for Larger Homes: There needs to be a focused effort on building larger homes, particularly four-bedroom properties and above, to accommodate larger families and multi-generational households.
How Prem Property Can Help Landlords, Providers, Investors and Government
At Prem Property, we understand the critical role that social housing plays in addressing the growing demand for affordable accommodation, especially for larger families and vulnerable groups. Our Guaranteed Rent Solutions in Birmingham are designed to support landlords, property providers, investors and even local government initiatives in meeting the housing needs of the community.
For Landlords and Property Providers
As a landlord, ensuring your property is let quickly and efficiently can be challenging, particularly in areas with rising demand and limited availability. Prem Property’s Guaranteed Rent Solutions offer peace of mind by providing landlords with consistent rental income, even in times of uncertainty. Our service eliminates the stress of finding tenants and dealing with vacancy periods, as we guarantee your rent for an agreed period, allowing you to plan with certainty. Additionally, our property management team handles all aspects of property maintenance and repairs, ensuring that your home is always in top condition for future tenants.
For Investors
For property investors, Prem Property offers an attractive opportunity to maximise returns while supporting the local community. Our Guaranteed Rent Solutions can provide you with stable and predictable income from your properties, even in fluctuating market conditions. By partnering with us, you can contribute to addressing the housing crisis in Birmingham and other areas while benefiting from a hassle-free investment experience.
For Government and Local Authorities
Prem Property’s services also support local government initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of social housing and providing safe, affordable homes for residents in need. By working with us, government bodies can ensure that there are properties available for individuals on housing waiting lists, especially those with more complex needs. We can assist in streamlining the process for social housing allocation, ensuring that properties are let quickly and efficiently, with ongoing support for tenants.
Final Thoughts: Addressing the Social Housing Crisis Together
The drop in social housing lets in West Lothian amid rising demand highlights the growing housing crisis that many areas across the UK are facing. With limited availability, especially for larger homes, vulnerable residents, including homeless individuals and families, are struggling to find suitable accommodation. For West Lothian and other councils, increasing investment in social housing, improving turnover rates, and prioritising the needs of vulnerable groups are essential steps toward resolving the housing shortage.
At Prem Property, we are committed to supporting landlords, property providers, investors, and local authorities in addressing this challenge. Our Guaranteed Rent Solutions offer stability and peace of mind for all parties involved, helping to ensure that the people of Birmingham and beyond have access to the affordable housing they need.
Without these changes, the social housing system will continue to face significant challenges, leaving many without the stable, affordable homes they so desperately need.