Dundee council house tenants could be set for rent increases of between 2.25% and 2.75% the lowest in more than a decade.
On October 28 the housing committee will be asked to approve discussions with tenants on the proposed average rises of £1.49, £1.66 or £1.82 a week before a final decision is taken in January.
The last time the council approved an increase of less than 3% was in 2001. A report by housing director Elaine Zwirlein proposes talks on the three selections.
Housing convener John Alexander said significant advances have been made in bringing housing stock up to standard.
“That means council house tenants all over the city have seen improvements to their homes, including the installation of energy-efficient gas central heating systems, new kitchens and bathrooms and thermal insulation,” he explained.
“Many of our tenants are finding it difficult to make ends meet, so we are proposing to consult on the lowest increases possible, which will still provide us with enough income to maintain progress towards completing the remaining 15% or so of our homes that need upgraded by the 2015 deadline.
“It will allow us to fund £1.2 million of capital expenditure to advance the successful energy efficiency programme.”
Mr Alexander said that with the continuing rises in energy prices, the council wanted to help tenants minimise their fuel bills by continuing to invest in measures to help reduce costs and address fuel poverty.
He added: “The extensive consultation exercise and a comprehensive information campaign will ensure our tenants know why we are proposing this level of increase and exactly what they are getting for their money.”
There have been a number of community events for tenants to find out more about council house rent proposals and give their views. It is planned that these will be taking place again.
In reaching the proposed increase in rent levels of 2,25%, 2.5% or 2.75%, provision for bad debt has been increased by £640,000 to allow for the potential impact of welfare reform changes.