COUNCILS across Ayrshire will receive a share of almost three-quarters-of-a-million pounds this year to increase the supply of social and affordable homes in the region.

The Scottish Government funding - representing an additional £40m nationwide - was confirmed in April and has boosted the affordable housing supply programme budget to nearly £600m this year.

The money will mostly be distributed to the five council areas with sustained temporary accommodation pressures: Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, South Lanarkshire and West Lothian.

The cash will be used to purchase properties to help reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation or, where appropriate, to bring long term voids back into use.

The other 27 local authorities will receive a share of the remaining funding. A further £40m will be allocated to councils next year.

East Ayrshire will receive £122,000, North Ayrshire will get £293,000 and South Ayrshire will be handed £301,000.

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “The delivery of affordable homes is the foundation of family life and is fundamental to how we achieve our priorities of eradicating child poverty and growing the economy.

“The key to tackling homelessness and reducing the time spent by families in temporary accommodation is to deliver more affordable homes.

“We have already supported councils to purchase almost 1,500 properties in 2023-24 for use as affordable homes. However, we must do more and, by committing £40m this year, we are accelerating that work.

“This money will help councils provide a warm, safe place that families can call home again.”