en.Wedoany.com Reported - North Ayrshire Council has approved a five-year housing acquisition strategy aimed at increasing the supply of social housing by purchasing properties and accelerating the return of vacant homes to public use. The strategy is part of a broader strategic housing investment plan, which targets the delivery of over 1,660 new affordable homes for council tenants by 2031.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands, stated that expanding the housing acquisition strategy means adding more homes to the existing housing stock, ensuring every available means is used to enhance the supply of social housing in North Ayrshire. Each acquired property will be upgraded to meet rigorous modern standards, as well as comply with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and national energy targets. Hill added that the strategy helps maximize the use of funds and ensure value for money, as purchasing existing homes can deliver high-quality permanent housing faster than building from scratch.

North Ayrshire Council has delivered nearly 1,000 new homes in the area in recent years. The council hopes the housing acquisition strategy will help alleviate pressure on the North Ayrshire housing register and advance the goals set out in the Local Housing Strategy. Housing acquisitions will be funded through existing budgets, supported by grants from the Scottish Government, such as the Rural and Islands Affordable Homes for Key Workers Fund.