Armed forces personnel and kinship carers are to benefit from major changes to East Ayrshire Council's housing allocation policy.

The reforms, agreed at a meeting of the council's Cabinet, include housing applications from people discharged from the armed forces receiving priority for re-housing.

Applicants will now be placed on the Strategic Needs Group before and after they are discharged from the services.

Kinship Ccrers will also benefit from the policy as they will be given the same priority as foster carers and be considered for larger size properties to look after the family.

Council leader Douglas Reid: "The changes to the housing allocation policy have been carefully considered to ensure support is provided to those in need.

"Servicemen and women being discharged from the armed forces will be given priority on the list and kinship carers will be given the same priority as foster carers to ensure that they have a suitable home to accommodate extended family.

"Care and support points will now be provided to those who need to move nearer to family members to either provide or receive care and support. "

He added: "Working with our partners we are ensuring that the housing allocation policy is fair and reflects the needs of our residents.

"The improvements to the housing allocation policy is another step towards making East Ayrshire clean, green and vibrant."

The new policy is excepted to be rolled out in January.