The housing association’s chair, Georgina Dawson, outlined highlights of the last 12 months to an audience of tenants in its Ayr head office. She said: “Although investment in windows and doors, kitchens and heating systems has been impressive over the past year, we are set to double this budget over the next 12 months which will make a real difference to the quality of tenants’ homes.

“It has been another busy year for the association with changes in senior staff, new build developments, and continuing work to support our communities and tenants. I’d personally like to thank all the staff for their excellent work and for the care and passion they put into their roles.

“In particular a mention for the financial wellbeing team who managed to secure £1.25 million in benefits and allowances for tenants, keeping money in their pocket at a time of continuing financial pressures for us all.”

Georgina Dawson also highlighted the completion of 25 new homes in Tarbolton and the start of a 32 apartment development in Ayr town centre as stand out achievements. 

Satisfaction with the quality of their home rose among tenants from 77% to 80% and satisfaction with the quality of repairs also increased from 84% to 89% over the year. All in all the Property Services Team completed 5,392 repairs during the year or more than 14 every day. 

Ayrshire Housing was established in 2003 through the merger of Carrick Housing Association and South Ayrshire Homes. Since then it has grown rapidly to become one of the area’s leading providers of high quality, affordable rented housing managing 1700 homes in both urban and rural environments.

Georgina Dawson added: “Here at Ayrshire we are far more than a housing provider and over the past year we have supported our communities in many ways from litter picks to sponsored events and community fun days. We are also firmly committed to the welfare of our tenants and the vibrancy of our communities.”

To support this the association has appointed a new Community Wellbeing Coach to help tenants sustain their tenancy and has created a new Community Engagement Manager role to help bring communities and neighbourhoods closer together.

Financially the association’s accounts were signed off by external auditor Alexander Sloane.