This year’s consultation marks a change in approach following feedback from tenants. During last year’s consultation, some tenants told the council they wanted an earlier opportunity to influence spending priorities before rent options were developed. In response, Angus Council Housing Service has introduced a two-stage consultation process designed to give tenants a stronger voice in decision-making.  

The first stage of the consultation will focus on understanding tenants’ priorities for housing investment and service delivery. 

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is separate from the council’s General Fund and is primarily funded through tenants’ rents. By law, it can only be used to provide and manage council housing and related services.

Housing income supports a wide range of services and investment, including: 

• Repairs and maintenance 
• Planned improvements to existing homes 
• Tenancy management services 
• Neighbourhood and estate improvements 
• Health and safety and property compliance 
• Preparing empty homes for new tenants 
• Tenant participation and engagement 
• Building and acquiring new council homes 
• Staff and services that support tenants and communities 

The cost of providing these services and investing in council housing continues to increase. Each year, the council must consider the level of income required to maintain services, meet legal responsibilities, and continue investing in homes, while also taking account of affordability for tenants.

Through this first stage of consultation, tenants will be asked what matters most to them and where they believe housing income should be prioritised. The feedback received will help shape budget planning and the rent and investment options that are developed later in the year.

A second consultation will then take place, giving tenants the opportunity to consider and comment on the proposed rent and investment options before any final decisions are made.

Cllr Jill Scott, housing convener, said: “We know our tenants want a greater opportunity to influence decisions about how housing income is spent, and we have listened to that feedback. This year we are engaging with tenants earlier in the process before any rent options have been developed. The services we provide and the improvements we make to our homes are funded largely through rental income.

“Understanding what matters most to our tenants will help us make informed decisions about future investment and ensure housing services continue to meet the needs of our communities. I would encourage all tenants to take part in the consultation and share their views. Your feedback will help shape future proposals and play an important role in decisions about housing services and investment across Angus.”