The council’s ambitious affordable housing programme moves into its fourth phase next year and councillors today (Thursday) agreed that £151 million would be invested to support the programme and provide new homes for Fifers.

Since 2012, the affordable housing programme has delivered 7,400 new affordable houses making the programme one of the biggest in Scotland. Today’s approval for additional funding results in investment of over half a billion pounds to date into new affordable homes.

The council’s housing spokesperson Councillor Judy Hamilton said she is proud of the work that’s being done to provide new homes across the Kingdom. She said: “The affordable housing programme is a hugely successful partnership involving the council, Scottish Government, the Fife Housing Association Alliance and private developers.

“The council is continuing to provide new council houses against a challenging economic backdrop. It’s testament to the strength of the partnership that we are able to announce this ambitious new phase today. Together the council and the FHAA have the potential to deliver 3,350 new houses over the next five years which would be a fantastic achievement. As well as building safe and affordable homes, we are creating jobs and apprenticeships, supporting the Fife economy and the construction industry.”

The programme is focussed on building a high quality mix of property types to meet the needs of different households as well as meeting high energy efficiency standards. There’s a commitment to making sure 30% of new homes can cater for people with specific needs, with 6.5% of new properties classed as wheelchair housing. And there’s an emphasis on building larger family houses, bungalows, housing for older people, as well as creating more opportunities for housing in town centres.

Councillor Hamilton added: “Good quality, affordable, sustainable housing is something everyone has a right to and our affordable housing programme shows our commitment to providing that.

“I’m delighted to announce this next phase in our ambitious programme. I am very proud that in these challenging times we remain committed to housebuilding for the future.”