Tenants have a say on rent

Council tenants in South Lanarkshire are being encouraged to take part in the rent-setting consultation for 2022/23.

It has started with an online forum and views are being sought.

South Lanarkshire’s Budget Scrutiny Group (BSG), comprising of tenant representatives from across the area, has been responsible for engaging with the council to review the housing budget and consider the financial challenges faced by tenants and the council.

The group has also taken a lead role in co-ordinating and delivering the annual consultation on setting rent.

The BSG and the Tenant Participation Co-ordination Group (TPCG) , who have a responsibility for ensuring the development of tenant participation in South Lanarkshire, met through Zoom to begin the consultation for 2022/23.

The event provided the opportunity to discuss with council officers the current budgetary position, including the impact of Covid-19.

Also discussed were factors which need to be taken into account to ensure the council can continue to invest in improving existing homes and to build new homes.

Councillor Josh Wilson, chairman of the housing and technical resources committee, said:“It’s always good to hear directly from tenants and their input and feedback is invaluable. We will take the points raised on board moving forward as part of the consultation.

“As the group considered how best to design this year’s approach to consulting on the rent levels for 2022/23, the continuing impact of Covid-19 meant the key focus would again be an online survey.

“The survey is available on the council website and is being widely promoted through social media platforms. We want to hear from as many tenants as possible, so I’d ask them to complete the survey.”

Tenant and chairperson of the budget scrutiny panel, David Downie, said:“With the continuing pressures faced by both the council and tenants, the group having their say on what happens has an increasing importance on rent setting.

“The council takes into account the views of the TPCG and the Budget Scrutiny Group which is greatly appreciated.

“As tenant representatives we regard this as an important role and do what we can to represent the interests of all tenants not only on the rent setting but on all aspects of the Housing Service.”

The consultation closes on Monday, December 13.

The online survey is at wh1.snapsurveys. com/s.asp?k=163524576691