Marc Mclean

South Lanarkshire Council will use £81,000 in carried-over discretionary housing payment funding during 2026/27 to help residents receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who cannot cover their rent. The funding is intended to support vulnerable households, including those affected by the bedroom tax, fleeing domestic abuse or facing temporary financial crises. Councillors approved the transfer as part of a wider £578,000 departmental underspend.

Fewer commercial properties in South Lanarkshire require empty property rate relief, resulting in a forecast £1 million underspend for 2026–27, following last year’s £803,000 underspend. Finance head Lorraine O’Hagan said reduced demand is expected to continue, creating a recurring budget benefit from 2027–28. The council also allocated £590,000 for new investment in galas, festivals, third‑sector support, Citizens Advice, and community engagement.

South Lanarkshire Council approved write-offs totalling £494,386.02, including £163,191.27 in council tax and £331,194.75 in non-domestic rates. The debts were deemed unrecoverable because individuals had died or entered bankruptcy and businesses had ceased trading, entered liquidation or been sequestrated. Councillors also approved write-offs for former tenant rent, sundry debt and Business Improvement District levies. Council tax collection was marginally below target, while non-domestic rates and sundry debt collection were slightly ahead.

South Lanarkshire Council has written off £209,000 in school meal debt over the past two years, benefiting 4,181 pupils from families experiencing poverty. The latest £9,000 write-off covered 32 pupils and was funded by a £224,000 Scottish Government grant introduced to help councils clear school meal debt accumulated during the cost of living crisis. The initiative supports the government’s commitment to expanding free school meals and ensuring children are not penalised when their families cannot afford them.

South Lanarkshire Council has approved the 2027/28 school calendar after a consultation received 519 responses, with 68% supporting the proposed dates. Pupils will return on August 17, 2027, while teachers will begin two in-service days earlier. The calendar includes scheduled term breaks, spring holidays and a June 27, 2028 end date, with a variation for schools in Lanark. Officials said legal requirements, coordination with neighbouring authorities and parental views informed the decision. Requests for a longer October break and changes to holiday spacing will be considered in future planning, while additional in-service days may be added if national guidance is issued.

South Lanarkshire Council states it is complying with safe‑staffing requirements under the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019 for commissioned care services. Its annual return reports that all providers are properly registered and staffed, with oversight through performance reviews and Care Inspectorate reports. No risks preventing compliance were identified, and future contracts will continue to include safe‑staffing obligations.

Vigilante targeting of suspected paedophiles in South Lanarkshire has prompted concerns from local councillors following reports of attacks and mistaken addresses. Officials explained that nearly 1,000 registered sex offenders are monitored in Lanarkshire and outlined multi‑agency risk‑management measures to protect both the public and individuals who may be targeted. Councillors approved funding for a new MAPPA development officer to help manage rising caseloads and prepare for the transition from the ViSSOR database to the UK‑wide MAPPS system, set to launch in 2028.

South Lanarkshire Council plans to adjust catchment areas for four Hamilton denominational primary schools to address overcrowding at St Mary’s Primary, where pupil numbers are projected to rise sharply due to new housing developments. The proposal includes rezoning parts of St Mary’s catchment to St Paul’s and removing optional shared catchments affecting St Peter’s and Our Lady and St Anne’s. If approved by councillors, a statutory consultation will begin, with new boundaries planned to take effect for the 2027/28 school year while maintaining sibling placement rights.

Councillors are set to review the final business case for the £27.8 million Larkhall Leisure Centre, which requires approval to proceed to full construction. The project is supported by multiple funding sources, with a small remaining gap covered by the council’s wider building budget. The centre will feature a swimming pool, games hall, gym, wellness facilities and accessible infrastructure, and is part of a broader development plan including 1,700 new homes. Enabling works have begun, with main construction expected to start in August 2026 and complete in spring or summer 2028, with BAM positioned to take on the main contract.

South Lanarkshire Council is being asked to formally approve 15 members for a new neighbourhood board that will oversee £20 million in Pride in Place regeneration funding for Hamilton town centre. The board includes councillors, local residents, business leaders and political representatives, with an additional education representative still to be named. The group must develop a decade-long plan and outline the first four years of investment before submitting it to the UK Government by November 2026. Initial meetings and public consultations are planned for summer as part of the process to shape the regeneration strategy.

Road casualties in South Lanarkshire fell to 286 in 2025, the lowest level since 2021, with fatalities dropping from eight to six, nearing long‑term safety targets. Serious injuries declined from 134 to 107, though meeting the 2030 reduction goals remains difficult. No child fatalities were recorded for the seventh consecutive year, while slight increases were seen in serious child injuries. Driver behaviour contributed to the majority of incidents, and younger drivers continued to be disproportionately involved, prompting continued targeted safety initiatives aligned with Scotland’s Road Safety Framework.

Violent incidents against teachers and education staff in South Lanarkshire rose sharply in early 2026, with physical attacks increasing 65 percent from the previous year and verbal abuse also up. Across the wider council workforce, physical violence rose 64 percent, and social work staff saw an increase as well. Staff mental health referrals shifted, with sharp declines in stress-related counselling but significant increases in anxiety and depression cases. Absences due to psychological conditions remained the leading cause of lost working days. Disciplinary hearings, grievances, and dignity at work complaints all increased, while delays in convening disciplinary hearings were attributed to staff availability and absences.

Nearly 500 drivers were detected for drink or drug driving in South Lanarkshire between April 2025 and March 2026, a slight rise from the previous year. Police Scotland’s road safety update reports increases in dangerous driving and mobile phone offences, while speeding and seatbelt violations declined. Officers cautioned that detection levels may reflect enforcement capacity as much as actual offence trends. Recent operations in Hamilton and across Lanarkshire targeted disruptive driving and foreign‑registered vehicles, with over 100 vehicles stopped. The police emphasise ongoing efforts with partners to maintain road safety and address emerging concerns.

A 30‑year lease has been approved for Loaves and Fishes to continue operating from Greenhills Hall and Library in East Kilbride, allowing the charity to expand and invest in its services. South Lanarkshire Council granted the long‑term community asset transfer for a nominal £1 annual rent, recognising the organisation’s significant social impact and growing demand for its foodbank, now distributing over 250 parcels weekly. The arrangement also accommodates sub‑letting to Waste Not Want Not and retains a small library service. Councillors praised the collaboration behind the project and the enhanced accessibility the location provides.

South Lanarkshire Council reports a decline in the number of children in temporary accommodation, though levels remain high and reducing them is a key priority. Homeless presentations also fell, with early intervention efforts preventing homelessness for most households seeking advice. New temporary accommodation projects have opened, but reducing the time spent in temporary housing remains challenging. A new two‑year improvement plan focuses on prevention, support for young people and partnership working, with councillors praising innovative initiatives.

Plans for a large mixed-use development of up to 600 homes in East Kilbride face objections from a community council, a conservation group and residents over environmental impact, infrastructure strain and disruption. South Lanarkshire Council planning officers recommend approval, citing compliance with the local development plan and potential peatland restoration through blue‑green drainage infrastructure. Objections regarding traffic, tree loss, habitat disturbance and inadequate application information were noted but dismissed by officers as either unsubstantiated or not relevant planning considerations. If granted, detailed designs would follow in later applications.

Planning officials have recommended rejecting East Kilbride Community Trust’s proposal for a two‑storey community sports hub at K‑Park due to conflicts with the Calderglen Country Park Masterplan, concerns over visual impact, increased traffic, and insufficient parking. Despite support from local MP Joani Reid, the council report argues the development would be inappropriate for the country park setting and relies on parking that the trust cannot guarantee. Fifteen objections from residents further highlighted issues such as traffic, wildlife impact, and park character. The planning committee is set to deliver a final decision on June 9.

South Lanarkshire Council formally recognised the Larkhall Youth Pipes and Drums for providing free traditional music tuition to more than 120 young people. A council motion praised the programme for removing financial barriers to participation, supporting confidence and teamwork, and helping former members progress to advanced musical study and competitive success. The band was also commended for achieving seventh place in its first appearance at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.

Children affected by homelessness in South Lanarkshire decreased to 849 in 2025–26 as prevention efforts improved, though overall homelessness demand remains well above pre‑pandemic levels. Homeless presentations fell and prevention success rose to 76.2 percent, but temporary accommodation pressures persist, with increased reliance on hotels and long stays remaining a key unresolved issue. The council’s strategic plan reports most actions on track but highlights ongoing strain, prompting continued monitoring following the 2024 housing emergency declaration and outlining priorities for prevention, support, child protection and system‑wide partnership work for 2026–27.

A structurally unsafe council house in Bothwell is set to be sold after a survey found that mandatory repair work would cost £162,687, more than double the market value of similar properties. The former tenant was permanently rehoused after raising concerns about extensive cracking, prompting a full structural assessment that identified serious defects throughout the building. South Lanarkshire Council will consider approving the property's sale, with proceeds directed to the Housing Revenue Account’s Capital Programme. Amid an ongoing housing emergency, the council plans to monitor the market for opportunities to buy back other ex-council homes to replace the lost stock.

South Lanarkshire Council is expected to approve a 30‑year lease of Greenhills Hall and Library to the charity Loaves and Fishes for a nominal annual rent of £1, enabling it to expand its foodbank services. The organisation, which has significantly increased distribution since the pandemic, currently operates from the site under a short‑term agreement and also sub‑lets space to another local charity and to the council for limited library services. A community benefit assessment rated the proposal highly, and public consultation showed strong support. The building has no competing council use, and the long‑term lease would allow the charity to access funding for repairs and improvements.

South Lanarkshire Council will conduct a statutory review of its byelaws prohibiting alcohol consumption in public, last updated in 2014 and now overdue under legal requirements. The review will assess whether the rules remain necessary, consider potential updates reflecting new developments, and gather input from organisations including Police Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire and community groups, as well as the public. Findings will be presented in September, when councillors will decide whether to maintain, amend or revoke the byelaws, subject to confirmation by the Scottish Government.

A Dumfries and Galloway councillor called for communities to receive a 15 percent ownership share in local windfarm developments, arguing current benefit funds are insufficient. Debate centered on Energiekontor’s request for a five‑year extension to planning permission for the Fell Windfarm due to grid‑connection delays. Councillors approved the extension but added a directive requiring further community consultation, while planning officials clarified that lack of consultation could not justify refusal under planning law.

A Labour councillor pressed Dumfries and Galloway Council to demand part of the Scottish Government’s additional £1.5 billion funding to address the region’s worsening housing emergency. She highlighted a sharp rise in temporary accommodation use, breaches of accommodation standards, and growing homelessness, arguing that cuts to housing budgets have contributed to the crisis. Councillors agreed to jointly lobby the Scottish Government for increased support to expand social housing while a longer-term plan is developed.

Inspectors reported that targeted funding at St Joseph’s College in Dumfries has improved teaching resources, strengthened leadership, and enhanced pupil attainment. The school was praised for its calm learning environment, supportive leadership, and effective curricular development. Pupil Equity Funding used to boost literacy and numeracy is showing positive impact, with strong attainment noted from S4 to S6.

Attainment levels for S5 and S6 pupils in Nithsdale have declined over the past five years, with significant drops in Higher and Advanced Higher results compared to 2020. The report highlights that 2020 figures were likely inflated due to teacher-assessed grading during pandemic disruptions. Year-on-year results for S5 pupils improved in 2024, while S6 performance continued to fall. Dumfries and Galloway Council acknowledges the decline and links it partly to interrupted learning and post‑pandemic qualification changes, noting similar national trends.

Primary school pupils in Dumfries and Galloway are performing below the Scottish national average in reading, writing, literacy, and numeracy at P1, P4, and P7 levels, according to a new attainment report to be presented to the Nithsdale Area Committee. Only by S3 do local pupils match national numeracy levels. A teacher representative recently warned councillors that staffing shortages and limited resources are making it increasingly difficult to manage pupil behaviour and deliver effective teaching, contributing to the persistent attainment gap. The report details the region’s performance compared with national figures and highlights calls for expanded support staff to improve classroom conditions and learning outcomes.

Councillors approved the expansion of Dalbeattie Forest Lodges and Caravan Park despite 142 public objections and a petition opposing the plan. The planning committee voted 9–6 in favour of allowing an additional 31 static caravan pitches, following split opinions over the development’s scale and suitability. Consulted authorities raised no concerns and planning officers recommended approval, enabling the owner to proceed with new pitches, parking, access roads, sewage treatment facilities and landscaping on the 1.91‑hectare site.

Councillors in Dumfries and Galloway are expected to approve local place plans for Gretna, Rigg, Gretna Green, Springfield and St John’s Town of Dalry. The plans have been developed through extensive community engagement and focus on improving infrastructure, services, employment, recreation and environmental goals. The Dalry plan emphasizes connectivity, resilience and carbon neutrality, while the Gretna-area plan is structured around six themes including enterprise, skills and safety. Future project funding will come from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and potentially additional council or external investment.