The proposed split of investment and identification of priorities for the area was developed through discussion with local maintenance teams, tenants and Members, with projects aimed specifically at meeting the needs of the local area.

A specific priority of the programme is improving heating and make homes more energy efficient, with £300,000 of budget approved to replace the oldest and most inefficient heating systems and a further £39,000 for one-off heating replacements.

This priority reflects the commitment towards improving the energy efficiency of council housing stock and will assist towards achieving the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing.

Furthermore, the budget also earmarks sums for: replacement of oldest bathrooms within the housing stock (£150,000); one-off bathroom, kitchen and window replacements (£47,750); provision of aids, equipment and adaptations (£37,000) and maintenance of external property fabric such as roofs and chimneys (£28,250).

Councillor Bill Lobban, chairman of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, said: “Continued investment in our housing stock, with a particular focus on the replacement of old and inefficient heating systems, remains a priority for Highland Council for its domestic properties within the Badenoch and Strathspey area. Additionally, the provision of aids, equipment and adaptions where required play a key role in allowing disabled and elderly tenants to remain in their current tenancy.”

“With local committee members now having increased engagement and involvement in decision making around priorities for investment in council housing stock, this has enabled investment to be tailored to the priorities and needs of this area.”

Members will continue to be updated on progress against both the current year programme and the 2021-2022 programme through ward business meeting updates and further reports to their committee.