Freedom of information data revealed by The Courier & Advertiser also found the number of annual ‘voids’ has peaked close to 1,000 twice since 2020.

Angus Council owns more than 7,500 homes that generate an annual rental income close to £30m.

But there has been growing concern over the number of empty council houses and the time some homes remain empty.

In 2019-20 the figure hit 983. That equated to £617,000 in lost rental income. But the following year, 770 voids cost the council £1.2m.

And it suffered another seven-figure loss the following year as a result of 915 voids.

The figures were revealed just weeks after councillors agreed to declare a local housing emergency.

Brechin independent councillor Jill Scott – who led calls for an area emergency – said they highlighted the housing crisis Angus is facing.

Ms Scott said: “The fact that over £4m in rental income has been lost is staggering.

“Many members of the public and those waiting for houses have been questioning why council properties are sitting without tenants for so long.

“I – and every other councillor – regularly receive queries and complaints from people waiting on housing or currently homeless. And most of them mention there are properties sitting un-let.”

Ms Scott added: “These figures show Angus needed to declare a housing emergency.

“The delays during Covid-19 are understandable. However, it is now long overdue that the delays on void properties are resolved.

“Twice the administration seemed intent on playing politics with the housing emergency motion.

“That was never my intention, or to get involved in any sort of blame game.

“It was to work collaboratively with all councillors for the good of Angus residents.”