Rent Level Options for 2022/23
Feedback updated 1 Feb 2022
We asked
We asked all 7,760 of our tenant households to choose from three rent level increase options for 2022/23. The three options we put forward were based on what tenants told us their investment priorities were during engagement with them throughout the previous 12 months.
Our Rent Level voting form sent to all tenants explained what investment in Housing Services would be possible under all three of the options:
- A 3% increase
- A 3.5% increase
- A 4% increase
You said
A total of 2,177 tenants responded to the consultation – almost 30% of our tenants. This was the biggest ever response to our annual rent level survey, and compares to 1,282 responses last year.
Over half of tenants said they preferred the option of a 3% increase:
- A 3% increase (54% of tenants chose this)
- A 3.5% increase (29%)
- A 4% increase (17%)
We did
A report went to Housing and Commuinities Committee on January 24th 2022 recommending a 3% increase in rent levels for 2022/23, in line with the views of tenants,
This was approved by elected members on the committee.
The 3% increase will allow us to make new and increased investment in:
- Resources to help us achieve a net-zero carbon emissions housing stock (£133,000).
- Our Tenancy Sustainment Fund, which supports tenants who are suffering financial hardship and struggling to pay their rent. This will rise by £50,000 to £200,000.
- Buying back ex-Council properties to increase our housing stock. An additional £15 million will be invested over the next over five years.
- Covering increasing costs of buying stock for repairs and improvements (£220,000).
- Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICR). We are now legally required to ensure all tenants’ homes have an EICR to confirm they meet electrical standards. We must test all of our properties every 5 years which will involve additional costs of £185,000.
Elected members also decided to invest an additional £38,000 in preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.
The rent increase takes effect on Monday 4th April 2022.
Results updated 1 Feb 2022
Every tenant household (7,760 properties) was sent a Rent Level Options consultation form in October 2021 presenting three options for 2022/23 rent levels, and what each option meant for their housing services. Tenants were asked to respond with their preferred option from a choice of:
- A 3% increase (54% of tenants chose this)
- A 3.5% increase (29%)
- A 4% increase (17%)
A total of 2,177 tenants responded to the consultation – almost 30% of our tenants. This was the biggest ever response to our annual rent level survey, and compares to 1,282 responses last year.
In line with the views of tenants, a report was submitted to a meeting of the Housing and Communities Commitee on Monday 24th January 2022 which recommended a 3% rent increase for 2022/23.
This increase was approved by elected members on the committee, and the rent increase will come into effect from Monday 4th April 2022.
The 3% increase will allow us to make new and increased investment in:
- Resources to help us achieve a net-zero carbon emissions housing stock (£133,000).
- Our Tenancy Sustainment Fund, which supports tenants who are suffering financial hardship and struggling to pay their rent. This will rise by £50,000 to £200,000.
- Buying back ex-Council properties to increase our housing stock. An additional £15 million will be invested over the next over five years.
- Covering increasing costs of buying stock for repairs and improvements (£220,000).
- Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICR). We are now legally required to ensure all tenants’ homes have an EICR to confirm they meet electrical standards. We must test all of our properties every 5 years which will involve additional costs of £185,000.
Elected emembers also agreed to invest an additional £38,000 in preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.
Perth & Kinross Council currently has the third lowest rent level when compared to other local authorities in Scotland, and we are projected to remain as one of the lowest council rent levels in the country. We estimate that our rents will remain 5% lower than neighbouring local authorities and 18% lower than local Housing Associations.
Thank you to all tenants who took part in this important consultation.
Links:
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.
Any increase in rent is required to cover any additional costs such as inflation and price increases for stock and supplies, and to ensure we have enough money to maintain your home and meet our landlord obligations to you
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’s very important that you have an opportunity to have your say.
For the fifth year we are consulting and engaging with you over the level of rent to be set for the next year - 2022/23. 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 three £50 high street shopping vouchers.
This year, as in previous years, three options are being proposed based on the feedback we have received.
It’s important that we let you know the impact the proposed options for 2022/23 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.
Areas
- All Perth & Kinross
Audiences
- Tenants and Residents Associations
Interests
- Social Housing
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