Stuart Sommerville

Councillors in West Lothian were advised that forced access to council homes should only be used in legally justified or urgent situations after all voluntary engagement efforts fail. Housing officers reported increasing numbers of void properties and highlighted that poor conditions often stem from complex tenant circumstances rather than deliberate damage. The council is exploring improved tenant engagement, pre-termination incentives and better guidance materials to reduce turnaround times and support successful tenancy management.

Councillors rejected an application to replace an agricultural shed in Broxburn with a two‑storey home, ruling it breached multiple planning policies. The applicant’s representative argued the new home would allow family support, and a Conservative councillor urged flexibility, citing willingness to amend the plans. Planning officers maintained the house’s height and scale would dominate the rural setting, and the committee ultimately voted to uphold refusal.

A West Lothian mother repeatedly sought medical help for her daughter Sophie, whose worsening symptoms were initially attributed to Covid or a viral infection. After persistently requesting further testing, she was finally told that Sophie had acute myeloid leukaemia and required immediate chemotherapy. Sophie spent seven months in Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Hospital, where her family praised NHS staff for their care. Now recovering at home, she is gradually returning to normal activities. Her sister Bonnie and friends raised more than £3,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust through a cycling challenge and bake sale, drawing appreciation from the charity for their efforts.

Construction has begun on the first phase of a £2 million project to create a safer walking route between Stoneyburn and Fauldhouse, aiming to reduce the village’s long-standing isolation. The work includes upgrading a 1.8‑mile path, resurfacing parts of the B7010, and preparing for a new bridge over the A706. Funded through Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund and incorporated into West Lothian Council’s Active Travel Plan, the project is expected to finish in autumn 2026. Local campaigner Sandy Edgar and councillor Tom Conn highlighted the importance of the new route for improving community access to essential services and enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillors approved plans to extend a nursery in Livingston after earlier delays caused by disputes over flood‑risk documentation. Planners had recommended refusal, citing flooding concerns and the proposed building’s scale, but councillors accepted assurances that mitigation measures would be added as conditions. The developer argued that similar buildings already exist nearby, while the nursery operator said the expansion would double capacity and address high local demand following several council nursery closures. The Development Management Committee granted planning permission.

West Lothian’s Integration Joint Board required additional funding from the council and NHS Lothian to balance its budget after drawing down its remaining reserves. Officials warned that the organisation cannot absorb future financial pressures and highlighted similar challenges faced by integration boards across Scotland. The Accounts Commission reported widespread operational overspends, declining reserves and dependence on unsustainable partner contributions. In response, Health Secretary Angela Constance will be invited to discuss the mounting crisis, as the board considers cost reductions and service changes amid strong public opposition to cuts in adult day services.

Local health officials in West Lothian plan to monitor community uptake of the newly launched MyCare.scot app to maximise its usefulness. The app, developed by the Scottish Government and partners, provides secure access to personal health information and will expand its features through 2030. Integration Joint Board chair John Innes urged collecting community feedback to guide improvements, and board members agreed. Health Secretary Angela Constance emphasised its role in creating a single digital access point for health records and future services.

West Lothian is launching a £2 million summer programme offering free or low‑cost play, sports and arts activities for children and young people, supported by £445,000 from Sport Scotland. Funding will cover holiday clubs, direct payments to families eligible for free school meals and expanded activity provision through community groups and childcare providers. Additional grants target poverty‑affected families, extend activity beyond summer, support coaching development and fund large‑scale events through Community Sport Hubs.

One of West Lothian’s longest‑serving SNP councillors, Robert De Bold, has left the party and will now sit as an Independent in the Livingston North ward, where he previously secured the highest first‑preference vote share in 2022. His departure reduces the SNP’s opposition group, though the party remains the largest in the council. No reason for his resignation has been provided, and SNP group leader Janet Campbell declined to comment. The Labour minority administration continues to operate with a confidence‑and‑supply arrangement with the Conservatives, while other parties retain single‑member representation ahead of next year’s council elections.

Rising demand for allotments in West Lothian has prompted development of a third site in Boghall, led by Bathgate Community Development Trust with council support. Existing allotments at Killandean and Deansmeadow are fully subscribed with long waiting lists, and the council must meet legal obligations under the 2015 Community Empowerment Act to manage demand. Planning proposals for the new Boghall site have been submitted and, if approved, could allow opening next year, with community groups continuing to manage plots independently.

A West Lothian police constable, Scott McCulloch, received the Police Officer of the Year award for creating and delivering a domestic abuse prevention education program to more than 4,000 senior pupils. Councillors praised the initiative, which was developed with domestic abuse investigators to promote healthy relationships and improve understanding of police responses. Police Scotland reported increased confidence among victims in seeking support and improved detection rates, noting McCulloch’s work may have contributed to a rise in reported Group 2 offences among younger people. He is now training officers in other divisions to expand the program across Scotland.

A senior Scottish Fire and Rescue Service officer urged residents to avoid entering rivers and reservoirs during hot weather, warning that cold water shock, strong currents and debris pose severe risks even in summer. Despite air temperatures nearing 30C, water in West Lothian remains close to winter levels, prompting concerns for young people seeking to cool off. Officials highlighted ongoing water safety education in schools and advised the public to use flotation devices and follow the “float rather than swim” technique to avoid panic and conserve energy.

Councillors approved the demolition of the deteriorating Jocks Hill House near Linlithgow Loch and the construction of a new home after rejecting planners’ claims that the existing building was more appropriate for the conservation area. The Local Review Body found the current structure was barely visible within the landscape and not economically viable to restore. Architects for the applicants argued that the existing house lacked true Arts & Crafts qualities, while the proposed design would better reflect traditional craftsmanship. The appeal was upheld with conditions, allowing the redevelopment to proceed.

West Lothian Council will consult parents in Bridgend, Philpstoun and Threemiletown on a proposal to shift the villages from the Linlithgow Academy catchment to Winchburgh Academy, following parental requests. The consultation will run from late August to early October, with results due in December and potential implementation from the 2027–28 school year. Officials say the change would not affect current pupils or staffing levels at Linlithgow Academy, and both secondary schools have adequate capacity.

West Lothian Council approved a seven‑week summer break for the 2027/28 school year to correct the school calendar’s gradual shift toward early August. The new schedule also moves Easter holidays to the two weeks before Good Friday. A survey showed mixed views among pupils, parents and schools, with some welcoming the longer summer break and later August start, while others raised childcare concerns and challenges for pupils with additional support needs. The February half‑term also remains divisive due to timing and weather. The council released full term dates for the 2027/28 academic year.

West Lothian councillors approved draining Armadale’s shuttered swimming pool to reduce maintenance costs while supporting a community campaign to reopen the facility. A petition with more than 5,000 signatures prompted renewed efforts to explore a community-led operating model, with council officers assisting in governance and feasibility work. Structural engineers confirmed the pool can be safely drained without damage, clearing the way for preservation efforts as public feedback overwhelmingly favoured reopening. Councillors from multiple parties praised campaigners and acknowledged long‑standing concerns about service reductions in Armadale as discussions continue on future community ownership.

West Lothian Council chose not to implement a full ban on mobile phones in schools, opting instead to strengthen and standardise existing responsible‑use policies. A significant consultation showed broad support for consistent, teacher‑led management rather than outright prohibition. The EIS argued that only a full ban would effectively address mental health and bullying concerns, but councillors preferred to await forthcoming Scottish Government guidance. The SNP backed a motion to review early outcomes in December, when national proposals are expected, as wider UK discussions continue over restricting mobile use among young people.

Stress and anxiety caused more than half of sickness absence days among West Lothian Council staff in the year to March, with long‑term absences forming the majority of lost time. Mental and behavioural health accounted for the largest share of days lost, particularly personal and work‑related stress. Council officials noted a slight improvement from the previous year and highlighted continued efforts to address stress levels, supported by a new counselling service that has received significant demand for mental‑health‑related issues.

West Lothian Council approved revised proposals for its new Local Development Plan after the Scottish Government requested additional information in an earlier draft. Updated housing requirements raise the projected ten‑year total to 10,825 homes, and the plan emphasizes adaptable housing types to meet demographic changes. Health‑care capacity remains constrained by staffing levels controlled by NHS Scotland, though most local GP practices are expected to handle projected population growth. Four practices require either additional capacity or further assessment. The plan will guide planning decisions until 2038, though most current councillors will leave office before it takes effect.

West Lothian Council is considering a proposal for Livingston FC to take a new 30‑year lease on Pumpherston Juniors’ ground at Drumshoreland Place, allowing the club to create a dedicated training facility. Livingston FC would fund significant upgrades including a 3G pitch, floodlights and modern changing areas. Pumpherston Juniors support the plan and would receive a sub‑lease ensuring continued access for matches and training at no cost. The arrangement would also give Livingston FC necessary training access while converting the Almondvale Stadium surface to grass to meet Scottish Football Association requirements. Council officers recommend approving the lease, which would generate £10,000 annually, with a decision expected from the council’s Executive on Tuesday.

West Lothian Council’s Development Management Committee rejected Persimmon Homes’ proposal to build 168 homes on the former Ethicon factory site in Livingston, citing its designation as employment land under the current Local Development Plan. Planning officers stated that housing would be premature until the next development plan, expected in 2028, potentially changes land allocation. Despite arguments from Persimmon that the project would address local housing demand and provide affordable homes, councillors supported planners’ recommendations to refuse the application. Additional concerns included limited bus services in the area, though no alternative motion was proposed, resulting in the plan’s refusal.

A West Lothian councillor renewed calls to reduce the £7 million annual cost of transporting pupils, arguing the Scottish Government should cover the expense given the availability of free bus passes for teenagers. Council officials noted that statutory responsibilities under the Education (Scotland) Act require dedicated school transport for pupils beyond set walking distances and that commercial bus routes often cannot meet these obligations. The council is reviewing sustainable transport options, though significant savings are considered unlikely, with a report expected later in the year.

West Lothian became the first area in Scotland to implement NaviLens codes at bus stops to improve travel accessibility for blind and partially sighted passengers. The pilot, developed by West Lothian Council in partnership with Lothian Country and Sight Scotland Veterans, enables users to receive real-time audio transport information and guidance via smartphone. Officials and community partners praised the project’s success and its role in promoting independent travel. The council is also expanding digital tools, including Power BI and mobile data analysis, to enhance transport planning and service delivery.

Complaints to West Lothian Council fell from 2,469 to 1,557 in the last year, driven largely by improvements in waste and recycling services. Earlier spikes in complaints stemmed from missed bin collections and reduced recycling centre hours, but numbers dropped significantly as policy changes took effect and milder weather reduced disruptions. Waste Services reported better route completion, higher customer satisfaction, and fewer complaints after shifting to a seven‑day collection model, with satisfaction reaching 85% against a target of 82%. Councillors continue to hear concerns about restricted opening hours at certain recycling centres.

West Lothian Council will hold a special meeting to approve updated evidence for its Local Development Plan, outlining potential construction of nearly 9,850 homes by 2038. Concerns persist over healthcare capacity, with several GP practices—particularly in East Calder and Armadale—facing serious infrastructure and staffing challenges. Council officials note that while developer contributions can support infrastructure, staffing costs cannot be covered locally, requiring cooperation with NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government. The updated evidence report must pass a formal ‘Gate Check’ by the Planning & Environmental Appeals Division before the draft plan can proceed, following earlier delays caused by insufficient information requested by the government. The plan is expected to take effect in 2028.

West Lothian councillors discussed new findings showing Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, with recent heatwaves affecting Arctic regions. Conservative councillor Alison Adamson questioned the concept of global warming after experiencing unusually cold June weather in Scotland, expressing frustration over perceived lack of benefits from local climate efforts. Labour councillor Susan Manion countered by highlighting increasing climate extremes, including drought and extreme heat in southern Britain and global displacement caused by climate impacts.