Councillors from the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee welcomed the introduction of a £500k Rent Assistance Fund pilot funded from the 2024/25 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget.

Convener of the communities, housing and public protection committee, Councillor Miranda Radley, said: “We understand that rising costs and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis has been a concerning time for everyone across Aberdeen.

“It is important that we continue to offer a range of support to our tenants and I hope that the introduction of this fund will enable us to provide assistance to those who need it.”

Vice convener Councillor Dell Henrickson, added: “The introduction of this new pilot fund will allow us to positively engage with our tenants on a wide range of issues that they may be struggling with.”

The Pilot Rent Assistance Fund aims to assist Council tenants who may be facing financial hardship and through no fault of their own can’t afford an increase in the rent they currently pay.

It is anticipated that the Fund will help to build trust and better relationships with tenants in need of support and reduce the need for legal actions, evictions and dealing with resulting homelessness.

A report into the impact of the Fund as part of the HRA Budget papers for 2025/26 will be presented to the council in December.