This rise, the lowest of three options considered, the others being rises of 6.7% and 8.2%, equates to an average weekly increase of £4.16, bringing the average rent to £84.91.

While over 75% of the 357 tenants who responded to a consultation supported this option, it represents less than 5% of all council tenants.

The decision comes as Angus council faces a £9.5 million budget gap, and the increase is described as the minimum needed to maintain crucial housing improvements.

The proposal, calculated as Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation plus 3.5%, aims to fund essential upgrades, including the installation of over 750 new bathrooms and an annual £750,000 investment in kitchen upgrades, The Courier reports.

Finance director Ian Lorimer’s committee report stated: “Until recently, normal practice was to increase rents based on CPI + 1%.

“CPI has, however, been significantly higher than normal in the last few years and rent rises at or below CPI have been applied to help tenants in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.”

Angus Council’s housing committee will vote on the proposal next Tuesday.