Rent Level Options for 2023/24

Closed 24 Dec 2022

Opened 24 Oct 2022

Contact

Scott Watson

(Communications Officer)

Business and Resources, Housing and Environment

07720398531

ScottWatson@pkc.gov.uk

Results updated 19 Jan 2023

A total of 2,625 responses were received from our tenants. This was an increase of 448 responses from last year's rent level consultation. Thank you to everyone who took part. 

The rent option with the most votes was Option 1 - a 2.2% rent increase for 2023/24. A total of 51% of tenants voted for this option out of the three proposed:

  • 2.2% rent increase (51% of tenants chose this)
  • 2.9% rent increase (33% chose this)
  • 3.2% rent increase (16% chose this)

A paper will be presented to meeting of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee on January 25th 2023 which recommends a 2.2% rent increase in line with tenants' views.

Councilors on the committee will make a final decision on rent levels at the meeting.

More information on the proposal can be found on our website.

Overview

Each year, in partnership with our tenants, we review the rent levels we charge for the Housing Services we provide. These annual reviews are necessary to ensure that we continue to meet our duties to you as a landlord, respond to your priorities and maintain high levels of service delivery.

For the sixth year we are consulting and engaging with you over the level of rent to be set for the next year - 2023/24. We want to give all tenants a voice in decisions that affect you, your home, and the services that you receive. By taking part you can have a chance to win one of four £50 high street shopping vouchers.

This year, as in previous years, three options are being proposed based on the feedback we have received. 

Like most businesses, we are experiencing additional pressures due to an increase in costs for many things such as stock and supplies and energy costs. To ensure we have enough money to maintain your home and meet our landlord obligations to you, we need to increase our rents to cover these increases.

In September 2022, the Scottish Government announced a rent freeze for all social and private tenants. This freeze is due to end on 31 March 2023 and so it currently has no impact on our rent setting proposals for the financial year 2023/24, which begins on 3 April 2023.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will react accordingly to any further announcements by the Scottish Government. However, given our legal requirement to engage and consult with our tenants on rent setting proposals, we will continue to consult with our tenants to ensure your views are taken into consideration.

Why your views matter

Rent setting is one of the most important decisions that we take each year, and because it affects all tenants it is very important that you are given the opportunity to have your say. We want to give all tenants a voice in decisions that affect you, your home, and the services that you receive.

It’s important that we let you know the impact the proposed options for 2023/24 will have on the services we deliver for you. You can read about that by clicking on the "Take part in the consultation" box below.

You will then be asked to vote for your preferred rent level.

Each year, we send out a questionnaire to all tenants in April asking you what your priorities are for housing services. We then use this feedback to develop a range of options for increased investment in your home and new and improved ways of delivering housing services. This is followed by our Summer Tenant Conference where we have further discussions with tenants about your priorities, and then an Autumn Conference where tenants are presented with three rent increase options based on what you have told us. After the Autumn Conference, voting slips and information about the rent increase options are sent to each tenant asking you to vote for your preferred option.
As you know, last year was unique and challenging, and our normal approach to seeking your views and opinions was not possible due to the restrictions. Last year’s 1% rent increase, based on your feedback, reflected the significant financial impacts that the Covid pandemic had on many of you. Please click here to view last years consultation and results (opens in new browser tab).

Areas

  • All Perth & Kinross

Audiences

  • Tenants and Residents Associations

Interests

  • Social Housing