Council rent increase supports quality, and equality, in Fife housing

Fife Council has agreed a one-year rent increase of 3% for council house tenants from April 2020.

Councillor Judy Hamilton said that with the Housing Revenue Account, we have the opportunity to control our own income – and take decisions by talking and listening to our tenants.

“I am in no doubt that access to warm and secure housing is central to the wellbeing of families and communities. And, in order to protect that, we consult widely about the rent through the Tenant Forum; through tenant events and the rent survey, which is sent to every council tenant," she said.

Cllr Hamilton continued: "Almost 60% of tenants who responded to the survey voted to support a 3% rent increase. We are very keen to support the Living Rent – and this increase keeps our rents below the Living Rent level.

"Coupled with the rent increase, we have announced very substantial investment of £264.7million in housing over the next three years.

"Tenants told us what their priorities are for new build housing; for fuel-poverty and energy-efficiency measures; and for continued component replacement – the cycle of new bathrooms, kitchens etc.

"We’re still committed to building 3,500 more affordable homes. This is a house building programme to be proud of, involving our own Building Services, housing associations and private developers; building not only houses, but creating jobs and apprenticeships.

"We will invest in our houses to maintain them above the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

"This is very good news in these challenging times – and I thank all our tenants for the way in which they engage with us and support the Housing Service."

Contact: cllr.judy.hamilton@fife.gov.uk ; 03451 55 55 55 + Ext 442454