Upgrade for thousands of council homes
Thousands of council homes in East Ayrshire are expected to benefit from a multimillion pound improvement plan over the next five years.
East Ayrshire Council has also announced proposals to ensure as many as 2600 homes receive new kitchens as part of the improvement plan, while as many as 4000 will be reconfigured with new energy efficiency systems.
Over the next five years the council’s total investment is expected to be £ 154m- including the building of more than 1000 affordable houses.
Since 2016, communities within East Ayrshire have been transformed thanks to investment in new affordable homes and an extensive programme that has improved existing housing stock. This multimillion pound investment has resulted in 477 new or reconfigured council homes being completed.
Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of the council, said: “We talk about millions of pounds of investment and new homes that have been designed to support the needs of our communities, what that means is lives and communities have been changed for the better. Until this year, I have visited all of our new build developments to speak to tenants about their new homes and the changes they have seen to their lives.
“These conversations confirm that we are doing the right thing and that homes aren’t just somewhere that you put your belongings, they are the heart of the family and having the right accommodation to meet the needs of our tenants, and their children, can be life changing.”
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2021- 26 ( SHIP), which was approved at the meeting of East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet last month, includes investment of £ 154m, with projects that could deliver up to 1229 affordable homes for the council and Registered Social Landlord partners in communities throughout East Ayrshire. Working with the council’s strategic partners, CCG ( Scotland) Ltd, the new build affordable housing programme will help to increase the supply of specialist housing to meet particular needs. And over the next five years, a further £ 81m will be invested in existing council homes and improved energy efficiency will be “a key focus” for the Housing Asset Services team. More than 2500 homes will be included in the next phase of the external envelope enhancement programme with a whole house approach being taken to improvements.
A spokesperson added: “In addition to this extensive improvement programme, 2600 homes will receive new kitchens, bathrooms and electrical upgrades and 4000 homes will benefit from new energy efficient heating systems.”