A massive survey of 16,000 Council houses has revealed that Falkirk Council is on track to meet new housing standards set to be introduced in 2015.

A meeting of the Housing and Social Care Committee heard today (1 February) that 44% (compared with 33% in 2009) of the Council’s housing stock currently meets the rigorous Scottish Housing Quality Standards (SHQS).

The Standards are based on a number of factors including energy efficiency, having modernised bathrooms and kitchens, are free from serious disrepair and are safe and secure.

Investment will now take place over the next four years with a predicted expenditure of between £50m and £60m, targeted at:

• Installing insulation and energy efficient heating systems in 65% (5,800) properties
• Upgrading of kitchen and bathrooms in 16% (1,400) properties
• New electrical, gas and smoke detector systems in 12% (1,100) properties and;
• Improvements to roof coverings, chimney stacks and guttering/pipework in 7% (600 properties).

Cllr Jim Blackwood, Convener of Housing and Social Care said: ‘We are very pleased with the progress we are making towards meeting the high standards expected under the new legislation and all indications are we will meet the requirements in time for the 2015 deadline.

‘It is a massive improvement programme affecting thousands of tenants whose living conditions will be greatly improved and we look forward to meeting this challenge.’

‘There are certain types of property where it may be very difficult to meet the standards but wherever possible we shall try to achieve the highest standards wherever we can.’

The survey also identified that an estimated £400m over the next 30 years would be required to ensure that the Council’s housing stock is properly maintained and ensuring that the properties continue to meet the required standard.