A report to the Housing and Community Safety Committee on 10 September outlined progress on the council’s Housing Investment Plan and ongoing work to improve compliance with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH).  

During the first three months of the financial year, improvements included upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems, as well as insulation and windows. 

The council’s ongoing housing improvement programme has already delivered significant upgrades across the housing stock since mid 2024, including: 

• 365 heating installations 
• 284 kitchen upgrades 
• 302 bathroom upgrades 
• 274 loft insulation improvements 
• 261 internal wall insulation upgrades 
• 354 cavity wall insulation installations 
• 36 solar PV installations 

Progress is also being made on improving housing quality standards. More than 92% of council homes are now fully compliant with electrical certification requirements, while Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH) compliance has increased to almost 78%, with further improvements expected as current projects continue.  

A dedicated programme of housing improvements is continuing in the Pinegrove area of Elgin, where around £2.5 million will be invested this year in measures including insulation, solar technology, heating improvements and kitchen upgrades.  

The committee also declared six vacant bedsits at Reidhaven House, Mid Street, Keith, surplus to requirements and will now be put up for sale. 

Councillor Amber Dunbar, chair of the Housing and Community Safety Committee, said: “Despite ongoing financial challenges, we’re continuing to make significant investment in our housing stock to ensure tenants have homes that are safe, warm, energy efficient and fit for the future. 

“The improvements are already making a real difference for tenants across Moray, from upgraded kitchens and bathrooms to better insulation and heating systems that can help reduce energy costs. 

“We’re also seeing encouraging progress in improving compliance with national housing standards, and we’re committed to maintaining that momentum as we continue to invest in our homes and communities throughout the year.”