Dundee consults on proposed council rent increase

Kevin Cordell

Tenants renting a council house in Dundee could see an increase of around £3 a week if councillors back a consultation on the options.

Members of the neighbourhood services committee will be asked to approve discussions with tenants on annual increases ranging from 3.75% and 4.25% or between £2.74 and £3.11 per week.

During a two month consultation period tenants will be asked to express their views on three options, the third being 4% or £2.92, before a report is prepared and considered in January.

Kevin Cordell, convener of the neighbourhood services committee, said: “The three options set out in the report offer tenants a reasonable choice between services remaining at the same high standard that they enjoy now or giving the council an extra £1.6m to spend on energy efficiency measures.

“The consultation exercise gives our tenants a clear understanding of how the proposed increases were arrived at, and the balance that has to be struck between delivering legal, decent services and giving people in social housing more with higher increases.

“Having that informed and intelligent dialogue with actively engaged tenants each year shows clearly how successful the consultation exercise is.

“They know why we are suggesting the increases we are, what they will get for their money and what benefits it will bring to the wider city.”

As in previous years the consultation will include a number of local community events, discussions with registered tenants organisations and information on the council’s website and in council offices.

There will be targeted use of relevant social media and there will be guidance for tenants to help them understand what their rent pays for.

The neighbourhood services committee meets on October 29.

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