On 18 November, councillors on the Services and Partnership Performance Panel will be advised that it’s been a successful first year with hundreds of new affordable homes built and 92.5% of council homes now meeting the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

During 2024/25, the council and its partners delivered 258 new affordable homes, nearly double the annual target. This includes 12 wheelchair-accessible properties and 221 homes built to lifetime standards, ensuring that residents can live comfortably and independently for many years to come.

More than 198 properties, both council and private, benefited from external wall insulation, saving residents an estimated £2.4 million in fuel costs, and reducing carbon emissions by over 4,300 tonnes.

The council said it continues to tackle homelessness, with over 2,100 people receiving accredited housing advice. The use of hotel accommodation has also been reduced, by moving families into settled homes.

The Working for Wallacetown initiative is also proving to be a success, with a 33% reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour and over 95% of tenants saying they are satisfied with opportunities to have their say in local decision-making.

Councillor Martin Kilbride, policy lead for housing and property services at South Ayrshire Council, said: “Good quality, affordable housing is crucial for health and wellbeing. Having a safe, warm place to call home is also vital for tackling fuel poverty and other issues such as child poverty.  

“Further work will be undertaken to prevent homelessness, which in turn will help to relieve pressure on our supply of temporary accommodation.

“This first year of our Local Housing Strategy shows that we are moving in the right direction and underlines our commitment to improving access to housing and supporting people to live well.”