Angus Council currently has the fifth-lowest social housing rent in Scotland. The local authority said the upcoming rent increase will ensure that its rents remain among the most affordable in the country while allowing it to continue to invest in high-quality housing services for tenants.

Balancing affordability for tenants with the need to provide tangible improvements in service delivery presented a significant challenge, but was, nonetheless, a priority.

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Tenants’ Review group, established in 2024, played a key role in this year’s rent-setting discussions. This group provided a vital platform for meaningful engagement between the council, ensuring that tenants’ voices were central to the decision-making process.

The group will continue to scrutinise HRA performance, helping to ensure transparency and accountability in how rent money is spent.

The tenant engagement process was further strengthened by a consultation survey, which was conducted using a range of engagement methods to reach as many tenants as possible.

The survey presented three proposed rent increase options: 5.2%, 6.7% and 8.2%. Of those who responded, 75% preferred the option of the lowest increase. This feedback played a key role in shaping the final decision on rent levels.

This means the average rent will increase to £84.91 per week, which is £4.16 more than the average rent in 2024-25.

The 5.2% increase will also apply to the St Christopher’s Travelling People Site, garages and garage sites.

Housing convener Beth Whiteside said: “It is imperative as a new Housing Committee to do all that we can to help support our housing service and make it the best that it can be, whilst being mindful of the cost to our tenants.

“We are acutely aware of how the cost-of-living crisis has affected many Angus residents.

“At the same time, we know that to provide good quality homes; excellent customer service; an improved repairs service; and to continue to build and purchase new homes, our housing revenue account must be adequately resourced.

“By most standards, our homes are affordable. That’s not to dismiss the concerns of any of our residents, but, in comparison to other local authorities, our rents are very much below the average rate. They also fall below what’s charged by other RSLs in Angus.

“While this is to be welcomed in terms of affordability, it also means that our service is amongst the lowest resourced.

“Decisions about the rate of rent increases have traditionally used the Consumer Price Index as a guide to decision making. However, Angus Council, like many others, has found that inflation across the building industry has risen at a higher rate and this is something that also affects the cost of repairs.

“Clearly, there is a balance to be struck and, taking all this into account, I believe that a 5.2% rent increase will help to ensure our Housing Revenue Account continues to be sustainable.”