North Ayrshire Council increases its social housing commitment

North Ayrshire Council has pledged to build an extra 250 council houses as part of an ambitious investment programme to create 1000 new homes within the next five years.The council’s cabinet has approved the bold proposal which aims to increase affordable housing provision as well as provide a shot in the arm for the North Ayrshire economy.Last year, the council increased its target of building 500 new homes across North Ayrshire by 250.However, cabinet members have increased that target further by expanding the programme to deliver an additional 250 houses within the next five years, bringing the number of new build social housing to 1000.The additional 250 houses are expected to be funded through a mix of Scottish Government grants, prudential borrowing and reserves.The expanded housing programme has been included in the council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2018-2023, which will shortly be submitted to the Scottish Government for approval.