Statistics released by the Scottish Housing Regulator found that more than nine out of ten tenants randomly sampled expressed satisfaction with the council as a landlord.

At the latest scrutiny committee meeting, councillors also praised improved performance in several areas of the housing & community safety service. Over 99 per cent of all repair appointments were kept, the percentage of jobs completed right first time increased to 93.5 per cent, and the average length of time to complete routine repairs fell one again, to less than six days.

These figures demonstrate that Clackmannanshire’s repairs team remain amongst the top performing local authorities.

Councillors also noted the significant savings which had been achieved over the year. Almost £500,000 additional surplus was achieved for the housing revenue account through efficiencies made, and supervision and management costs are now lower than the national average. Reductions in the use of bed and breakfast contributed a bumper surplus of over £1.2 million to the council’s general fund.

Spokesperson for environment and housing, Councillor Kathleen Martin, said: “I and my fellow councillors are very encouraged by the performance figures contained in the report. It is clear that the staff have put in a lot of work to achieve these improvements and efficiencies. I am very grateful to them for all their efforts. However, we all know there is no room for complacency and so the staff are aiming for continual improvement. The council wants to provide some of the very best council housing and services in Scotland, and it looks like we are doing so.”