Created in consultation with tenants, the scheme is entirely voluntary and offers both practical and financial assistance to help eligible tenants to move.

The aim is not only to help people wanting to transfer to a smaller or more suitable house but also to return properties for reallocation where the need is greatest.

Under the existing scheme, which was introduced four years ago, tenants receive a basic payment of £1500 plus £400 for each bedroom they relinquish.

From next month, in addition to the basic payment, they will also receive £400 to compensate for the disruption of moving and to cover any unforeseen costs.

The scheme will also be extended to include tenants or qualifying occupiers of wheelchair adapted accommodation who would become eligible in cases where the household no longer needs the specialist features of the house. For adapted homes, all sizes will be considered and the household will not have to downsize.

Moray Council’s communities committee also agreed to set an annual target of 25 downsizing transfers per year.

An annual budget of £72,000 has already been approved to support the revised downsizing scheme.