Fife Council Tenants To Have Their Say On Rent Increases

Budget proposals are being considered along with three options for a hike in rent rates for tenants of Council homes in Fife.

There are 3 options being considered by the Council, with a minimum increase of 1.5% or maximum increase of 3.5% per week.

Councillors have agreed that an increase of 2.5% is the preferred option, putting up the average rent by £1.60 per week, to £65.58 per week.

Tenants are being given the opportunity to fill out a survey to capture their views on the proposed increases - which are to be implemented in April 2016.

Councillor Judy Hamilton, Executive Spokesperson for Housing and Building Services said: ““The annual tenant conference gave Fife Council a chance to consult with tenants around the options for new rent levels for Council homes, which will be applied from April 2016. Following approval from Executive committee, a tenant’s survey will be carried out through the Down Your Street newsletter which is issued to every tenant in Fife. The survey is also available online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/rentsurvey. 

"Any rent increase will allow us to continue making improvements and provide warmer, drier, healthier homes for our tenants and I hope people will take the time to give their views and have their say.”

John Mills, Head of Housing said: “Fife has some of the lowest management and average rent costs in the country. Our commitment to high quality services, well managed estates and warm, safe houses has been built up with tenants over many years. We are continuing to invest in delivering new build housing, improving existing council homes, developing more localised service delivery, and, improving the support we provide to the most vulnerable in our communities. 

Tenants have until January 8th, 2016 to give their views before councillors take final budget decisions in February next year. The new rent level will be applied from April 2016."