Published Date: Feb 23rd, 2023
Fife Council has agreed a rent increase of 5% for council houses from April 2023 – adding £3.92 a week to the average rent cost.
The same increase will apply to service charges, garages, lockups, and temporary accommodation.
Councillor Judy Hamilton said the council has carefully considered the impact of rising costs of living, both on households across Fife and on the Housing Service’s ability to provide warm, safe housing across the Kingdom.
“We can control our own income from housing, and we work with our tenants and their representatives before taking decisions,” she said.
“I know the idea of any rent increase is challenging, especially now. For the first time in a long time, when we consulted with tenants last year, we consulted on two subjects- the rent increase and the priorities for Housing. A slight majority of respondents said they’d prefer a freeze over a small increase. And the priorities are energy-efficiency measures; home improvements and newbuild housing.
“Unfortunately, since that consultation happened, spiralling inflation rates have seen the projected pressure on the housing account increase from £6.6million to a £10.2m. We simply can’t deliver the tenants’ priorities, continue with home improvements and house building without a rent increase.
“I have met with the Tenants’ Federations to discuss the challenges, and they support an increase to avoid reductions in critical services.
This 5% will mean our average weekly rent will be £82.41, which is still well below the Fife Living Rent threshold of £106.12.
“Around two thirds of tenants have their rent paid through housing benefit or Universal Credit, so much of the income we generate from higher rents will come directly from HM Treasury rather than Fifers’ pockets.
“And this year, I am setting aside £1.5m, to support tenants struggling with rent payments , or those just moving to Universal Credit. And an additional £.500m to support tenants in fuel poverty.
"There is no doubt in my mind that good quality housing provides not just shelter, but also essential security for families.
We have to be able to maintain existing services, reduce the number of households in fuel poverty; invest in our housing – and continue to build in a Climate emergency and a fuel-poverty emergency.
"I thank all our tenants for the way they engage with us and support the council’s Housing Service."
If you need help, housing officers are on hand. Call 03451 55 00 44 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. They can talk you through the various options available including how you could get financial support to help pay your bills. For more information go to www.fife.gov.uk/rent