Council keeps rent increase to 1.5%

This is an archived article from 1 March 2023. 

Despite rising costs, South Ayrshire Council has committed to holding the 1.5% rent increase previously agreed following consultation with tenants.

The rise, which will be effective from 6 April 2023 means an increase of less than £1.50 per week.

The decision means the continuation of the housing capital investment programme. This will see planned programmes of internal modernisations, external fabric upgrade work, window replacement, and other measures to improve energy efficiency to the existing housing stock, as well as continuing the Council house new build programme.

2023/24 is the last year of the agreed three-year rent setting arrangement with tenants.  The Council will now update and review the housing budget and will be conducting the next round of consultation with tenants in late 2023, on rent setting proposals for 2024/25 onwards.

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "All Councils are having to make difficult decisions on rent levels. 2023/24 is the final year of the previously agreed 1.5% rent increase following the last round of consultation with tenants, and we are committed to it. The agreed rise will still allow us to improve our housing stock and deliver on the commitments previously agreed with our tenants."