Councillor says house rent rise is ‘very small’

LOCHABER’S senior councillor says a very small rise in rents will help to ensure a continued housing service to tenants while meeting Highland Council’s legal requirements.

Andrew Baxter, Independent councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan, was commenting after the local authority agreed Highland housing tenants will pay a small 0.5 per cent increase in council house rents for the coming financial year 2018/19, which equates to an average weekly rise of 36p.

Members of Highland Council’s People Committee – which Councillor Baxter chairs – approved the 0.5 per cent rent increase which would result in an increase in the average weekly council house rent from £72.88 to £73.24. The 0.5 per cent increase will also apply to travellers’ site pitches.

‘The council has a legal requirement to balance its housing revenue account income and expenditure at the end of each financial year,’ added Councillor Baxter.

‘In order to achieve this, members have accepted the proposal for a modest increase to housing rent and service charges for the coming year 2018/19.

‘The council continues to identify annual efficiency savings aimed at reducing management and maintenance costs without compromising best value for tenants. This very small rise in rents will help to ensure a continued housing service to tenants while meeting the council’s legal requirements.’