Consultation has opened on the setting of council house rent, with any changes due to come into effect in April 2024.

The local authority said it understands that many people are feeling the pressures of the current economic climate and the cost-of-living crisis so tenants must have their voices heard on any proposed changes.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “We are doing everything we can to ensure the rent level options are as low as possible while maintaining service levels, and continuing to invest in maintenance, energy efficiency, refurbishment and new build council housing.

“We are making every effort to get the right balance between ensuring residents have affordable rents whilst delivering high-quality services and improvements to our housing stock, by upgrading our existing homes and building new properties.

“That’s why we’re very keen that our tenants make their voices heard. We are consulting on two options for rent levels for next year and we encourage tenants to tell us what they think before any decision is taken.”

Tenants can take part in the consultation online by visiting here and taking the short survey.

North Ayrshire Council’s rent levels are currently amongst the lowest in Scotland and remain the most affordable housing option for residents in North Ayrshire. Its average rent is lower than the average rent of Scottish Local Authorities and Scottish Social landlords, as shown in a comparison of average rents in March 2023:

This year’s rent setting consultation period will run until 7 January 2024 and the responses will be considered by elected members before a decision is made at the council meeting on 14 February 2024.