Investment in South Ayrshire housing continues

Issued 5/3/26

South Ayrshire Council has set its 2026/27 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Revenue Budget and Capital Budget 2026/27 to 2030/31.

Both budgets were approved by councillors at the meeting of South Ayrshire Council on Thursday 5 March 2026.

In January 2024, the council agreed a 4.5% rent increase each year from 2024/25 - 2026/27. This is the final year of the agreed three-year rent increase and will see an average increase of less than £3.80 per week. Tenants have already been advised of their new rent charge for the coming financial year. Later this year, the council will consult tenants on options for future rent setting, for rent charges that will apply from April 2027 onwards.

The housing capital investment programme is presented on a five-year planning cycle. This means £189 million will be spent over the next five years improving the council's existing housing stock, alongside investment in new build housing to boost the supply of affordable homes.

The modernisation of council properties will also continue. The agreed budget will allow other works such as the window replacement programme, external wall insulation and other energy efficiency improvements. External fabric works will also continue such as the replacement of roofs and wall coverings.

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Housing and Property Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said: "The approval of the HRA budget will allow us to continue to meet the needs of tenants and residents across South Ayrshire. Our housing capital investment programme is a key part of this ambition.

"We will always support tenants as much as possible. Times are tough and any tenant struggling to pay their rent should contact our Housing Service as quickly as possible."