South Lanarkshire’s Budget Scrutiny Group (BSG), made up of tenant representatives from across the area, has for a number of years taken responsibility for engaging with the council to review the housing budget and consider the financial challenges faced by tenants and the council.

The group also take a lead role in co-ordinating and delivering the annual consultation on setting rent.

The BSG and the Tenant Participation Co-ordination Group, who have strategic responsibility for ensuring the development of effective tenant participation in South Lanarkshire, met online this week to begin the rent setting consultation for 2021-22.

The event provided the opportunity to discuss with council officers the current budgetary position including the impact of COVID-19 on the housing budget and the factors which need to be taken into account in setting the rent levels for 2021-22 to ensure the council continue to invest in improving existing homes and for increasing the stock of new council homes.

Councillor Josh Wilson, chair of housing and technical resources committee, also attended the event to discuss this important issue with tenants and hear their views.

He said: “Despite the challenging circumstances presented by COVID-19 I am confident that the experience of the group and their commitment to ensuring customers are effectively engaged in setting the housing budget will secure the success of the process.”

Daniel Lowe, executive director of housing and technical resources, added: “Given the current economic situation and the challenges facing tenants, particularly stemming from COVID-19, it is extremely important that decisions on matters of this significance are made in consultation with our tenants and that they are fully aware of what needs to be considered.”

David Downie, tenant and chairperson of the budget scrutiny panel, commented: “This year under the present circumstances it is even more important for tenants to be involved. Being involved has helped BSG group members to understand the current budgetary position and the issues which need to be considered in setting the rent levels for 2021-22 to make sure the existing homes continue to be improved.”

Working to design this year’s approach to consulting on the rent levels for 2021-22, the group have taken into consideration the impact of COVID-19. Given the restrictions resulting from this, the key means for engagement during the consultation this year will be an online survey. The survey will be publicised and available on the council’s website from this Monday (26 October) and tenants will be encouraged to give their views.