This strategic investment will not only ensure more energy efficient homes for tenants but will also contribute towards the area’s commitment to tackling climate change.

Members approved investment priorities in the HRA Capital Programme for Badenoch and Strathspey 2023-27 at yesterday’s meeting of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee.

The most significant of those investments is in heating and energy efficiency works, with a £2,051,527 planned spend between 2023 and 2027. There will be a £486,760 investment in 2023/24, £504,872 in 2024/25, £522,447 in 2025/26 and £537,448 in 2026/27.

In addition to that spend there will be £148,000 investment in equipment and adaptations, £293,075 on major component replacement (including One-off kitchen/bathrooms/rewiring), £146,538 on external fabric works and £146,538 on environmental improvements.

A figure of £293,075 has also been prioritised for Contingencies, which will provide a budget for carrying out unanticipated additional works between 2023 and 2027.

Outgoing chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, Councillor Bill Lobban, said: “The priority investment in heating and energy efficiency works underlines our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, making homes greener and helping tackle the ecological and climate emergency declared by this local authority in 2019.”

He added: “It is pleasing to see priority funding for adaptations and modifications, which will allow disabled and elderly tenants to remain in their current homes. This is very important to the individuals and their families and will be of great benefit to their general health and wellbeing.”