Problems emerging from the introduction of Universal Credit have been highlighted as a major threat to hundreds of new Angus council houses being built.
As the local authority approved a new housing strategy including the ambitious development of more than 600 new homes over the next five years, a top official said the controversial payments system had already led to a rise in local rent arrears.
Strategic director Alan McKeown made an impassioned plea to any Angus tenants struggling with payments to reach out to the council as soon as possible and avoid the risk of the ultimate sanction of eviction.
More than 600 new homes will be built by Angus Council and local housing associations in the county over the next five years, with the support of a £25 million Scottish Government funding package.
Projects at Viewmount and the former Chapelpark primary school in Forfar are already well advanced, and work is due to begin shortly on site at the Abbey Quarter in Arbroath.
The communities strategic director said any rent arrears rise resulting from difficulties tenants encounter with Universal Credit could have a catastrophic impact on the authority’s social housing ambitions.
“We build houses that people are proud to call home but the introduction of Universal Credit could be one of the biggest threats to social housing budgets,” said Mr McKeown.
“Colleague in Fife have already raised the issue and the concern is that if rent arrears rise there could be a collapse in the amount of social housing that can be built.”
He added: “Our rent arrears have gone up slightly and we will be doing all that we can to address that but there are very difficult times ahead for many individuals.
“The easiest way to protect tenants and the council’s plans to deliver these new homes is for anyone experiencing difficulties to get in touch as soon as possible.
“The most important thing people can do to protect their tenancy is to pay their rent. In some cases we will have to take action, but we can only try to help if they get in touch.
Communities convener, Councillor Craig Fotheringham said: “We will improve the provision of affordable housing across Angus by building houses of the highest quality in the places where people need them most.
“Accessibility and energy efficiency will be the cornerstones of our housing design, so that we deliver homes that will stand the test of time for the benefit of people now and in future generations.”
The committee also heard 87% of Angus Council tenants are satisfied with the quality of their home, with 80% considering that they get good value for money for the rent they pay.
