Tenants’ views are wanted

Council tenants across Monklands are being asked for their views on rent charges and services ahead of North Lanarkshire’s annual budget being set in February.

Housing officials have launched an online survey, asking residents if they would prefer rent to increase “to a level which will enable more investment in the housing service”, or if they back a “minimum increase” resulting in services remaining at their current status.

They are also asked, in the event of any increase being agreed, how extra money should be spent; with options including kitchens, bathrooms, window replacements, better heating systems and new housebuilding.

Survey participants are informed: “Our housing business plan is based on assumed/indicative rent increases of three per cent per year, equivalent to an average weekly increase of £ 1.77; this enables the council to meet national standards while continuing to provide services at current levels.

“No decision has been made yet on next year’s rent levels; views expressed by tenants will be reflected in a report to the housing committee in February, where any increase will be approved. All comments will be considered during the rent-setting process.”

Des Murray, who is North Lanarkshire’s assistant chief executive for housing, said: “People told us they wanted greater involvement in decisionmaking, and this survey gives them a chance to have their say before any options are chosen.

“We want to make sure we set good-value, affordable rent levels while continuing to deliver a high quality service, and I would urge as many people as possible to take part in our survey and help us best allocate our housing budget.”

The survey can be found at: www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/rent2017.

Paper copies are also being sent out to every tenant to inform them about the process.