East Ayrshire Council has approved a multi-million-pound package of investment in affordable housing, agreeing almost £244 million in funding at this week's Cabinet meeting.

Elected members considered five detailed reports outlining the financial commitments required to ensure that Housing Services can continue to provide safe, secure and affordable homes for local residents.

As part of the plans, £104 million will be invested through the East Ayrshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) between 2026 and 2031. The programme aims to deliver up to 1,059 new or acquired homes across the region, building on the council’s longstanding partnership with Registered Social Landlords to deliver modern, environmentally efficient housing and regenerate communities. In the past year, 48 new homes were completed at Kennedy Drive in Kilmarnock, offering a variety of property types designed to meet differing needs.

The council reported continued progress in delivering accessible homes, assisted living developments and net-zero-focused properties incorporating technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps. Work is also planned in Cumnock, where a major development of up to 65 homes is expected to begin next year.

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In addition to the SHIP programme, Cabinet approved £139.8 million for council house improvements under the Housing Investment Programme (HIP) for 2026–2031. Energy efficiency remains central to the plan, with £45 million allocated to whole-house insulation, external rendering and re-roofing for 350 properties each year, alongside new roofs for a further 100 homes.

A further £7.5 million will provide new energy-efficient windows and doors for 200 properties, while more than £17 million will support the installation of Grade A heating systems in 800 homes annually. Over £45 million has been set aside for new kitchens, bathrooms and electrical upgrades for 680 homes a year, and £3.5 million will be directed to guttering, roofline and rainwater maintenance.

The council highlighted the wider community benefits of the investment, including job creation and training opportunities. Forty apprentices are currently employed across construction trades, with three more in business support roles within Housing Services.

Cabinet also agreed to consult tenants on proposed rent increases for 2026/27 and 2027/28. Two options will be presented: a 7% rise—equivalent to an average weekly increase of £6.36 in the first year and £6.80 in the second—or a 7.5% rise, bringing average increases of £6.81 and £7.29 respectively. The higher rate would allow the council to accelerate its replacement programme for fire-rated flat doors.

Tenants and community groups will be involved in shaping the final improvements and investment priorities through ongoing consultation.