A traditional upward spike has hit Angus rent arrears to the tune of more than £75,000 with further bad news on the way.
Latest figures presented to the council’s communities committee have revealed the total figure due from current and former tenants stood at £1.815 million at the end of September.
The increase has brought a plea for Angus council house tenants facing financial difficulties not to “hide away” but to make contact at the earliest opportunity to sort out a plan of action which might ultimately prevent them being thrown out of their home.
The data revealed that since April last year, more than 12,500 actions have been taken by the council, including more than 4,000 visits to tenants or ex-tenants.
In the same period, 120 court actions were taken and the authority was awarded decree in just under half of those.
Almost a quarter of decrees obtained have resulted in eviction.
Head of planning and place Vivien Smith said: “The divisional performance on current rent arrears is at 8.14%, which is a slight increase from the 7.95% previously reported in September.
“This increase is not unexpected as previous trends show an increase at this time of year and this has been the case for some years.”
Councillors were told six tenants had been evicted because of arrears in the period since the last update report. A number of eviction cases have been recalled to court.
Instalment plans have been drawn up with Shelter but Ms Smith said it can take more than two years for outstanding debts to be repaid.
She added: “Since former tenants arrears were last reported, 19 tenancies have been abandoned and these had outstanding arrears of £11,686.”
Communities committee convener Donald Morrison, left, said: “Sadly arrears have crept up and I can’t offer any comfort as there is an expected rise from the festive season, which is something we usually see.
“I would urge anyone with problems not to hide away but to contact the council through their local ACCESS office and we will do all we can to work with tenants facing difficulties.”