Tenants in Dundee have backed a 5% rise in council house rents the lowest of three options presented after a consultation lasting more than eight weeks.
A report to the city council’s housing committee on Monday will propose the increase, saying it will help continue improvements to homes across Dundee.
Jimmy Black, convener of the housing committee, said: “I am very pleased that more than 1,600 tenants gave us their views on the three proposals.
“Already more than half of the council’s housing stock meets the Scottish housing quality standard (SHQS) and our target for April next year is to bring that figure up to almost three-quarters. A 5% increase in rents will allow that process to continue.
“Council house tenants all over the city have seen improvements to their homes as a result of the SHQS work including installation of energy-efficient gas central heating systems, new kitchens and bathrooms and thermal insulations.”
Local events were set up in community centres and libraries last year to discuss the proposed rent increase with tenants and their representatives.
Material was also available from housing officers and on the council’s website, as well as at displays across the city.
Sharon Mahon, secretary of the Bottom of the Hill Tenants Association, backed the rent rise.
“I do agree with it because there is lots of work being done,” she said. “If you want things done you have to pay for it.”
The Dallfield multis at the bottom of the Hilltown are still undergoing work to upgrade them.
Sharon said there have been a great improvements.
“They’ve done all the insides of the houses and now they’re painting the halls and putting in a new security system,” she said.
The consultation took in the views of more tenants than in previous years, encouraging feedback via an online survey, email and text message.
If councillors back the proposed rent increase it will work out at an average of £3.15 more per council house per week for the year beginning on April 1.
Other charges have also been reviewed and it has been proposed that garage lock-ups, underground parking bays and garage sites remain at current levels.
Alice Bovil, of the St Marys Association of Residents and Tenants, said: “I think the general feeling is people are seeing improvements done. They are seeing new kitchens and bathrooms coming in and gas central heating and insulation.
“It says a lot for people who have already had these improvements who have gone with the rise so everyone can get the Scottish housing quality standard.”