The consultation has opened this week on the setting of council house rent, with any changes due to come into effect in April 2023.

North Ayrshire Council said it understands that many people are feeling the pressures of the current economic climate and the cost-of-living crisis meaning it is more important than ever before that tenants have their voices heard on any proposed change to the rent levels.

Councillor Scott Davidson, cabinet member for Place, said: “I would urge as many of our tenants as possible to take part in the consultation.

“We have to get the balance right between making sure residents have affordable rents whilst ensuring the high-quality services and improvements to our housing stock are delivered.

“In recent years we have managed to keep our rent levels affordable while continuing to invest significantly in our housing stock, both by upgrading our existing homes and building new properties.

 “But it’s important that we hear from those directly affected by the proposals for next year, and this is the perfect opportunity for the people of North Ayrshire to tell us what they think before any decision is taken.”

Tenants can take part in the consultation online.

The rent consultation will run until January 22, 2023, and the responses will be considered by Elected Members before a decision is made at the council meeting on 15 February. All tenants will be informed of any rent changes at least four weeks in advance of them being implemented in April 2023.