This immediate investment and commitment to spending in the coming years will ensure Council homes on Scilly are safer, more energy efficient, and better meet our customers’ needs.
The Council of the Isles of Scilly has received the results of a condition survey of its residential properties. Most of the 119 houses and flats owned by the Council have been surveyed and the resulting report provides an important baseline that will allow the Council to prioritise its investment in our homes.
In some instances, work will begin immediately to address fire and electrical issues as well as improvements to windows. The initial investment will also see those occupying houses with the lowest energy efficiency ratings have their homes brought up to the minimum energy efficiency standard improving the health and wellbeing of our tenants.
The survey also allows the Council to develop a rolling programme of investment over the next 5 years.
All tenants have been informed of the implications of the survey for their homes. The Council has also written to the Regulator of Social Housing to inform them of the Council’s investment plans to ensure our properties meet the regulator’s standards.
Nicola Stinson, Senior Manager for Strategic Development, said: “regular stock condition surveys are good practice as they ensure maintenance and improvements can be scheduled in a more cost-effective way. Under the new approach agreed by Council yesterday, we will be making a major investment in our homes, rapidly bringing our stock up to an acceptable standard as well as committing to set plans for the long term in our budget process.”
Councillor Tim Dean, Lead Member for Housing, said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce this extra funding. The Council is fully committed to housing on Scilly and this complements our plans to build new homes in the coming years. It also comes off the back of 4 successive years of rent reductions for our social housing tenants. This latest investment will ensure that Scilly’s vital social housing stock accommodates residents in a healthy, comfortable way for years to come.”