Contractors have supplied the council with detailed work plans for safe working, encompassing social distancing and following all guidance relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tenants whose homes have been identified for capital works will be contacted in the coming weeks to provide assurance on proposed work plans and to discuss arrangements with them.

Works are likely to take longer than in previous years because of the enhanced safety measures.

Phased starts will begin later this month and will initially be focused on external works such as re-roofing and windows and doors.

It is anticipated that works such as heating replacements and rewiring will be unable to re-start for a number of weeks as a result of the nature of the work involved.

Councillor Ben Thompson, chair of the housing and property committee, said: “Work on tenant’s homes will only restart when tenants and Council officers feel it is safe to do so. I would like to thank everyone for their patience and their support in this matter. We will be contacting tenants on our capital programme in the coming weeks to help develop a safe and efficient schedule for the capital programme.”