Hillcrest Housing Association (HA) has launched a digital pilot project in Dundee which could help shape the future of 'affordable' housing.

The HA is offering tenants at its 21-home Dens Road development free broadband, a free tablet and access to the UK's first non-profit energy supplier – Our Power Energy.

The 12-month Dens Road Digital Exchange (DDE) pilot scheme aims to explore the merits of free internet as a "means to promote digital inclusion".

In addition, tenants will benefit from energy supplied by Our Power Energy, an independent energy supply company operating on a non-profit distributing basis.

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In return, the HA is asking tenants to use its I-Housing portal, which allows residents pay their rent, report and book repairs online.

The development was built on a former metal works site in partnership with Northern Housing Company, the city council and Cullross Limited.

Hillcrest's Director of Development and New Business, David Zwirlein, said: "Dens Road is a truly innovative development which explores the potential of what social housing can achieve.

"The new approach to internet provision hopefully marks early steps towards ensuring no one is left behind as an increasing number of vital services move exclusively online."

Hillcrest's Energy Efficiency Officer, Roger Adams, added: "All of the properties have smart meters installed which allow our tenants to easily see how much energy they are consuming giving them the information they need to tailor their energy usage accordingly."

The HA is currently on-site or has planning approval to develop 123 properties across Dundee by late 2018.

(LM/CD)