Budget Brings Benefits

Details of a £30 million investment to build up to 500 new houses were announced as part of our housing budget on Thursday 4 February 2010

Convener of Housing and Social Work Services, Barry McCulloch, said: "This budget allows us to sustain major levels of investment in our existing properties as well as supporting ambitious plans for our new build programme.

"Although we face significant challenges, this is a further demonstration of this council's commitment to investing in key services for our residents.

The next five years will see over £200 million invested in capital improvements to our tenants' homes.

Last year, to support the local economy, the housing capital budget was increased by £20 million for the following two years; and this year there will be £58 million directly invested in housing. The range of investments includes:

* £1.3 million on regeneration (including back court upgrades and demolishing Glencairn Tower);
* £18.8 million on energy efficiency (replacement heating programmes, overcladding Brandon court, and windows and door replacements);
* £12.5 million on major repairs (lift replacements, floor coverings to common areas and chute replacements);
* £6.5 million on home safety and security (lead pipe replacements, door entry upgrades, rewiring, high rise security, CCTV replacement);
* £13 million on kitchen and bathroom replacements;
* £161,000 on upgrading alarms in sheltered housing complexes; and
* £1.1 million on decoration allowances/home loans (heating rewiring, kitchen and bathroom works).

Average rent increases have been capped at 3.5% for the fifth consecutive year. And this increase, combined with savings of over £500,000, will pay for a further £1,000,000 improvements including:

* £340,000 to expand the council's new build programme. This growth will help to deliver a more ambitious programme of 500 new houses, injecting over £80m into the local economy over the next five years;
* £270,000 to replace central heating systems and improve high rise security;
* £240,000 for housing repairs and maintenance; and
* £200,000 to increase budget provision for adaptations.

These decisions will be subject to agreement at a meeting of the full council at a later date.