The same increase will apply to service charges, garages, lock-ups 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 homes across the Kingdom.

She said: “We can control our own income from housing and we always talk and listen to our tenants before taking decisions,” she said.

“Of course, the idea of any increase is challenging, especially now. However, we held a series of meetings with tenants and tenant groups and consulted over 30,000 tenants as part of our consultation on rent levels. A 2.5% increase was the lowest we can afford without reducing services; and 62% of tenants who responded, supported this proposal.

“Our average weekly rent will be £78.49, which is well below the Fife Living Rent threshold of £105.53 for a single person. This is a very important consideration for me. We have introduced a Fife Living Rent and been keen to ensure our rents must meet this affordability test.”

She added: “This year, we are setting aside £2m, to support tenants who are struggling with rent payments, through going on to Universal Credit and setting up crucial funds to support tenants struggling to pay energy bills.

“This year, for the first time, tenants have said their top priority for investment is energy efficiency in their homes. Our tenants should not have to choose between heating and eating and we are doing everything that we can to ensure that support is available and accessible.

“In response to what our tenants are telling us, we have committed to energy innovation works in tenants’ homes, to meet the Energy Efficiency Standards for Social Housing (EESSH2) requirements and tackle fuel poverty.”

Councillor Hamilton concluded: “In 2022-23 we’ll spend over £55m on these housing improvements, as well as continuing with our ambitious House-building programme.

“There is no doubt in my mind that good quality, warm, safe housing is the bedrock of peoples’ lives and of communities. In Fife we’re proud to have approved plans to invest over £312m in housing over the next three years. It’s more than ever before, and it’s more than anyone else.

“I thank all our tenants for the way they engage with us and support the council’s Housing Service.”