the last decade, the Rent Bond Guarantee Scheme (RGBS) has supported 1,650 households into accommodation without having to pay a deposit upfront.

The anniversary was marked by the local authority’s housing and communities convener Cllr Peter Barrett, who handed over keys to the latest family to be helped by the scheme. Sara Conway, her partner Josh and their daughter Evie moved into their new flat recently after receiving support from the RGBS.

Cllr Barrett said: “The RGBS was launched in 2009 to help people and families to access good quality, affordable accommodation in the private rented sector. It allows people to access accommodation without having to pay a large deposit. The council gives a guarantee to the landlord to the value of the deposit, and then the tenants are able to pay-up the deposit over 12 months.

“The RGBS provides people with quick access to a choice of properties, sometimes in areas where there is limited council or housing association stock.

“It’s one of a variety of housing options we offer to people who are looking for accommodation and is part of our sector-leading range of private-sector access initiatives which also includes PKC Lets - a social lettings agency which we launched in 2010.

“I’m delighted the RGBS has helped so many households since it was launched. It was great to meet Sara and Evie to hand them the keys to their new home.”

The family’s flat in Perth city centre was brought back into use for rent through the council’s Empty Homes Initiative Grants which assists landlords to bring empty properties back into use as affordable private-rented accommodation.

This grants scheme is being used by the council to increase the number of affordable rented properties in Perth and Kinross.