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Housing in East Ayrshire will continue to improve thanks to the council's Housing Investment Programme.
The programme will continue to help bring all homes in the area up to the standard set out in the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015.
The Housing Investment Programme for 2011/12 to 2015/16 has now been agreed and a five-year work programme drawn up.
Almost £11m will be spent over the period on replacing windows and doors with heat loss reducing units which will not only reduce the Council’s annual maintenance costs but also improve the energy efficiency of our tenant’s homes. This financial year alone 623 doors and 1,135 windows will be replaced.
Just over £15m will be spent on replacing heating systems which equates to 890 units each year. This is a very positive move towards improving heating systems for our tenants but also standardising the heating boilers used in our homes.
The Council will ensure that all work undertaken will exceed the National Energy Rating required by the Standard which will in turn address fuel poverty.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “This programmed work will improve the energy efficiency of our homes and help to lower fuel bills for our tenants. We are using the best of windows, doors and boilers which we hope will have a positive impact on the number of repairs required and the frequency of replacement.
“We are also working towards modernising all major internal facilities and services including kitchens, bathrooms, electrical upgrading, internal plumber work and the replacement of any lead piping encountered while works are taking place. 1,000 properties will be upgraded each year for the next three year at the cost of just under £19m
“This is undoubtedly great news for our tenants but it is also great news for the local economy – we are spending locally as much as we can and helping to keep businesses going during this difficult financial climate.”
Another important investment area focuses on making our neighbourhoods safer and more secure. Door entry systems will be fitted to communal entries along with metal or wooden security doors and screens.
(GK/KMcA)
