Moray tenants ‘have had enough’ – Call for councillors to think carefully as rent rises loom

Councillors are being urged to ‘think carefully’ before deciding whether to increasing housing rents.

Chairwoman of Moray Tenants’ Forum Liz Mcknockiter believes those struggling to pay their bills do not deserve a hike in their housing costs. Her comments came as the local authority launched a consultation with tenants on a proposed rent rise.

A 6% increase will fund housing investment and allow 50 affordable houses to be built each year.

And a 7% rise will accelerate plans to upgrade council house kitchens and bathrooms.

But Ms Mcknockiter told a meeting of the housing committee on Tuesday that tenants have had enough.

She said: “They really are having a struggle. And it’s something I want you to recognise. They are being bombarded with brown bin charges and rent increases.

“It’s getting to the stage where people have had enough. We don’t see anything for what we’re paying, and I implore you to think carefully.

“We live in a low wage economy. So please, please be careful about what you do in your next steps regards rent.”

Ms Mcknockiter added communication between the tenants’ forum and the council had been “lamentable” in the past with a “them and us” situation.

And the group is keen to improve the situation.

Labour councillor Sandy Keith felt the council’s commitment to building 50 affordable houses a year could be “putting the cart before the horse”.

The member for Elgin North said: “If you want that programme to go, then the 6% per year would be required to support that.

“So it’s not necessarily an entirely open discussion on the views of the tenants.

“It’s almost a forced choice.”

Elgin South member John Divers raised concerns householders who experienced a £30 rent rise last year following a reorganisation of tariffs could face a similar rise again.

The Labour councillor said: “We need to keep in the back of our minds what is affordable for our tenants?”

Head of housing Edward Thomas acknowledge any rent increase was never “overly welcomed”. But it was necessary to invest in housing stock.

Findings from the consultation, which will include an online survey and direct contact with tenants, will be fed back to councillors before a final decision is made.

It will run until Friday January 3.