The move is a response to the introduction of Universal Credit, which means some tenants now receive a single monthly benefit payment to manage their financial commitments.

The proposal would seek to make weekly charges lower by removing the existing five week period when rent is not payable. This should help those on low incomes and make payment as simple as possible.

Councillor David McBride, convener for housing and communities, said: “Times are tough right now and I believe reducing weekly rents is something that could really help tenants who are struggling to pay their rent. Instead of the existing five week payment break this proposal would mean more money in tenant pockets for 47 weeks of the year. We now need to get as much feedback as possible from Council tenants on whether they agree this would be a positive change which would make a real difference to them.”

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, vice-convener for housing and communities, added: “The introduction of Universal Credit has provided many tenants with additional challenges when it comes to managing their money. This proposal could help people receiving Universal Credit to budget more easily, but we want to know what tenants think so that we can make an informed decision on the best way forward. Whether we stick with the current system or implement the proposed change, the total amount of rent tenants pay will not change. We are always looking at ways to improve the lives of our tenants and so I’m looking forward to hearing what the views are on this proposal.”

A report on this proposal will be presented at a future housing and communities committee.

Views can be given via the following survey.

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