West Dunbartonshire Council's multi-million pound upgrade of its homes is ahead of schedule and under-budget.

The major programme of improvements involving hard working staff and contractors has benefited hundreds of council tenants this year with almost 550 new bathrooms and over 160 kitchens fitted. In addition more than 370 homes have been re-roofed and over 300 properties received heating upgrades. In total 470 new windows and doors have been fitted, 440 properties within high-rise blocks and 220 low-rise properties have been over-clad and over 2400 electrical upgrades completed as part of the project.

The Scottish Government has set a deadline for housing providers to ensure their properties meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) by April 2015. West Dunbartonshire Council has already met its target for 2013/14 to get 75% of homes compliant, and is now well on track to get the remaining homes up to standard by the final SHQS deadline of April 2015.

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In March 2012 when the council took the decision to retain its stock rather than transferring to an external provider, less than 50% of its homes met the SHQS now 79% of properties are compliant with the standard.

The SHQS sets a national standard for the physical quality of rented properties, which includes ensuring homes are free from serious disrepair, are energy efficient with full central heating and insulation, and have modern facilities in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The Council's recent investment to ensure all its homes meet that standard includes:

• Insulated over-cladding improvements to multi-storey blocks at North Drumry, Dalmuir and West Bridgend

• Roof renewal and render improvements throughout West Dunbartonshire

• Insulated over-cladding to low rise properties in Dumbarton, Alexandria and soon to commence in Clydebank

• A major boiler replacement programme and introduction of new gas supplies to homes

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Housing, Environment and Economic Development said: "It is fantastic news that the Council is ahead of schedule to have every single one of its homes meeting the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015. Every day we have an army of people working to improve our housing so that our valued tenants can live in the comfortable, warm and secure accommodation they deserve."

(CD)