Committee agrees 8% rent rise for council tenants
Angus Council’s housing committee this week agreed an 8% rent rise for tenants – equalling the largest rent rise in the local authority’s 30-year history.
But the increase still represents a much better deal than tenants in neighbouring Dundee, it has been claimed.
At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors rubber-stamped the 8% hike recommended by officials. The figure was the lowest of three options presented to tenants in more than 7000 Angus council homes. However, just 373, or 5%, took part in the rent-setting consultation.
The increase will take the average weekly rent to £90.36, £5.45 more than the current level after a 5.2% rise was agreed last year.
Housing committee member Beth Whiteside said tenants were still getting a good deal compared to district neighbours. She noted that the Angus rise matches the percentage increase set by Dundee City Council.
She said: “We are still one of the lowest rents around. We’re lower than all the social housing providers in Angus, we’re significantly lower than Dundee rents. So even though we are having the same rent increase as Dundee it isn’t the same because they are starting from a much higher base.
“Their average increase from 8% is over £7 a week whereas ours is £5.45. It is worrying when prices go up for people, but we have to keep it in context.”
Convener Jill Scott said the rise would help to boost spending on ageing Angus housing stock. The council plans a capital spend on housing of £23 million in the coming financial year, with a proposed investment more than £85m over the following three years.
Councillor Scott said: “8% is the lowest of the options on the consultation and the minimum required to support current levels of investment. With 83% of the housing stock more than 50 years old, repairs are more complex and cost significantly more than newer housing. In 2022, a rent increase of 1% resulted in Angus Council not being able to build. This year’s increase will allow us to invest in new homes.
"While we recognise this is a difficult year for many, this one‑off, more substantial increase is essential to secure our long‑term financial stability and avoid the need for sharper increases in the future.”