Plans to spend £24.5m on housing

ARGYLL Community Housing Association (ACHA) plans to invest £24.5 million in its existing stock and its new-build programme during 2018/19.

The budget approved by ACHA’s board will see £16.2 million spent on the association’s existing 5,150 homes and £8.2 million on building new homes.

The investment in ACHA’s existing homes will cover capital investment of £10.5 million, day-to-day repairs at £3.8 million, planned maintenance of £1.6 million and aids and adaptations work of £315,000.

In terms of capital investment, ACHA will prioritise energy efficiency investment in existing homes and a continuing programme of heating and rewiring, and window and door installation.

ACHA’s new-build programme will continue to provide homes in Oban, Connel, North Connel, Islay and Helensburgh, with plans in place to build in Inveraray and Garelochhead.

The 2018/19 new-build programme is part of ACHA’s ongoing partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government to build 250 new homes by 2021.

ACHA will also invest £350,000 in information technology to improve service provision to its tenants.

Alastair MacGregor, ACHA chief executive, said: ‘The association’s 2018/19 budget will invest in our existing stock and in providing new homes to meet housing need.

‘Our plans are about more than bricks and mortar. The association’s investment plans of £24.5 million will support jobs, apprentices and the supply chain in Argyll and Bute.

‘Through our new-build programme, we want to tackle housing need where it exists in Argyll and Bute communities.’