Following approval from Council Executive, the engagement process with tenants will take place over November and December and will include presentations to the Tenants Panel, regular messaging via the council’s social media channels and text messaging and lettering to all council tenants.

The report to Council Executive noted that on 7 February 2023, West Lothian Council approved a 3.5% per annum rent strategy and updated Housing Revenue Account financial plan and Housing Capital Investment Programme for the five-year period from 2023/24 to 2027/28. The approved Housing Revenue Account financial plan and Housing Capital Investment Programme are based on an annual rent increase of 3.5% for the agreed strategy period.

This consultation is seeking the views of tenants on whether the 3.5% increase set out in the five-year strategy, should continue for the upcoming financial year of 2024/25. Consultation results will help inform the decision-making process when the council comes to set its budgets in early 2024.

A 3.5% would help support the delivery of 383 additional council houses (new build units and open market acquisitions) and an average of £24.5 million per annum being invested in the existing housing stock.

Executive councillor for housing services, George Paul, said: “I’d encourage all tenants to please take some time to engage in this consultation process.

“Council rent income plays in incredibly vital role in ensuring continued investment in housing infrastructure, improving existing homes and creating affordable new homes.”