The Scottish Government provides funding through the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) to those local authorities with some of the greatest concentrations of vacant and derelict land that is in close proximity to some of Scotland's most deprived communities. The aims of the VDLF are to:
- tackle long-term vacant and derelict land;
- stimulate economic growth and job creation; and
- promote environmental justice and improved quality of life.
The fund totals £36.6 million and is ring-fenced for the period 2008-2011. It is allocated to local authorities on the basis of information from the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey.
The indicators used from the survey to allocate the fund are:
- amount of land out of use since at least 1995;
- amount of land that is within Scotland's 15 per cent most employment deprived datazones; and
- population that lives within 500 metres of long-term derelict land.
On that basis, the fund for this period has been allocated to five local authorities: Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Dundee and Highland.
History of the fund
The Vacant and Derelict Land Fund was established in 2004 in response to the Cities Review, which highlighted the importance of dealing more effectively with vacant and derelict land. £20 million was allocated to Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and Dundee in 2004-2006, with £24.3 million continuing to be allocated to these local authorities and, in addition, South Lanarkshire in 2006-2008.
An evaluation of the 2006-2008 Fund is available. An evaluation of the 2004-2006 Fund was published in 2007.
How is the fund used?
The fund is used by local authorities in areas that are consistent with local regeneration priorities to bring long term vacant and derelict land back in to productive use for housing, for economic purposes and to create more attractive environments.