Council tenants in Dundee could see their rent increase by 1.25% this year.
According to Dundee City Council, residents “overwhelmingly backed” the rise during an eight-week consultation.
A report will go before the neighbourhood services committee on January 23, recommending the increase based on the feedback of the tenants, who were given three options — rises of 1.25%, 1.5% or 1.75%.
The lowest option would see an average weekly increase of 87p with a maximum hike of £1.25, which would be enough to maintain current service standards.
In addition, the local authority plans to invest £150,000 from the money raised in environmental improvements.
John Alexander, the committee’s convener, said: “We’ve had a brilliant response to our consultation with over 1700 tenants feeding in their views, with 59% supporting the lowest increase, but interestingly 41% going for a higher increase.
“Tenants’ views are vital and help shape the future of housing in Dundee.
“It’s great to see people supporting our plans to increase investment and I’m sure those supporting a higher increase, did so because they’ve seen the benefits derived in terms of external wall insulation and other improvements.
“As part of this budget, an extra £150,000 will be spent on environmental improvements taking our budget up to £840,000, a further £3.1 million will be spent on energy efficiency measures and tackling the root cause of fuel poverty, there will be a continuation of a £250,000 hardship fund to protect those affected by welfare cuts and we’ll freeze charges for older residents in our sheltered accommodation for fourth year running.
“That is a record to be proud of and I am personally committed to continuing to drive up standards and invest in the areas that tenants want us to invest in.”
The proposed rent rise follows last year’s increase of 1%, said to be the lowest on record.
Kevin Cordell, depute convener of the neighbourhood services committee added: “Some direct quotes from tenants include ‘It’s worth it if it means lots more investment in making homes and their surroundings nicer places to live’ and ‘great to see the council taking account of tenants financial state and still trying to invest’.”
