A total of £10.15m has been allocated to spend on the modernisation of existing council housing stock the refurbishment of properties acquired via the open market and improving energy efficiency.

The council’s successful programme of disabled adaptations will also continue to assist people with mobility issues to live safely in the community.

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Norman Hampshire, said: “The modernisation plan approved today contains a wide range of capital projects benefitting our tenants. The final planned programme reflects feedback received following consultation with our tenants and their identified top priorities of bathroom upgrades, energy efficiency improvements and kitchen upgrades are all included in this year’s works.

“The number of bathroom upgrades planned for 2015/15 is almost double those carried out last year – from 262 to around 500. Other improvements including central heating modernisation and energy efficiency works such as cavity wall and loft insulation will greatly help tenants reduce fuel costs.”

Mark Ormiston, chair of the East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel, said: “We are very pleased that the council have taken tenants’ views into account following the recent rent increase consultation. It’s great that more people will receive new bathrooms this year.”

Details of the full modernisation programme can be viewed online.

@ELCouncil