Rent Level Options for 2021-2022

Overview

Each year, in partnership with our tenants, we review the rent levels we charge for the Housing services we provide. These annual reviews ensure that we continue to meet our duties to you as a landlord, respond to your priorities as tenants and maintain high levels of service delivery.   

However, as you will be well aware both our tenants and the Housing Service have faced unprecedented challenges this year. For the last seven months we have had to focus on meeting Scottish Government Guidance and providing critical services to make sure that all tenants have been supported to stay safe, secure and healthy through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has completely changed the way we work and it has had an impact on all of the day-to-day housing activities we carry out. Rent setting is one area where a different approach has been necessary. It has been important for us to reflect on the significant impacts of Covid on tenants before putting forward any proposed rent options. As you will see from the information in the survey, we have made a commitment to keeping next year’s rent increase to a minimum level.

Why your views matter

As a result of the pandemic our normal approach has not been possible. Your housing staff have had to focus on responding to the pandemic, and we haven’t been able to hold a conference or have any face-to-face engagement events.

Despite this, it remains very important to us that you have a say in your rent levels for 2020/21.

In previous years you have voted on rent options based on an increasing level of service provision, each reflecting higher levels of rent. This year tenants have the opportunity to vote on three rent level options and decide if they should be funded from new rent money or through a reduction in other areas of service delivery.

Once we have received your votes the information will be included in a rent setting report to our Housing & Communities Committee in January 2021, when a final decision will be made.

If you have any questions, would like to speak someone to discuss this or you would like support to complete this consultaion please contact your Locality Housing Team on 01738 476000 (Option 2) or email HNeighbourhoodServices@pkc.gov.uk  

What happens next

We will share the results of the consultation and tenants' preferred rent level option in January 2021.

The results of this consultation will then be included in a rent setting report to our Housing & Communities Committee in January 2021, when a final decision will be made.