Due to the current economic climate and legislation that temporarily froze rents until 31 March 2023, it was recognised that this year’s rent setting process would need to take a different approach.

With the agreement of the Budget Scrutiny Group, who take a lead role in designing the annual rent-setting consultation, this year’s online survey focused on asking tenants what they considered to be the most important council investment priorities for 2023-24.

Based on the surveys returned, tenants ranked the following investment priorities:

1. Continuing the current level of investment in repairs, equipment and adaptations

2. Improving energy efficiency in homes through work such as insulation, cladding and windows and doors

3. Continuing investment in existing council homes, such as new kitchens

4. Investing in new council homes

5. Delivering environmental improvements such as stairwells, footpaths, fencing, walls, landscaping, lock-ups and bin stores

6. Investing to meet decarbonisation targets by replacing heating systems with carbon-free alternatives

Following the Scottish Government’s decision to end the rent freeze and to allow the council to maintain current service levels and deliver on the investment priorities, a 3.5% rent increase was agreed in February this year. Based on an average rent, this equates to an increase of £2.67 per week.

This increase was supported by the Budget Scrutiny Group and is less than the £5 per week average increase that local authorities across Scotland agreed to.

Sharon Egan, Head of Housing Services said: “We recognise that this has been another challenging year for both tenants and the council. This year’s rent increase allows us to continue to invest in our existing homes and in building new ones, whilst also maintaining our position as one of the most affordable local authority landlords in Scotland.”

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and have concerns about paying your rent, energy or other household bills, there are a number of agencies that can provide you with financial advice and support.