Highlanders asked to have their say on council rents
The Highland Council has started to consult with their tenants about proposals for a rent increase in council owned homes for 2021 – 2022.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the traditional forms of consultation cannot safely take place. This is the authority's first ‘fully digital’ rent consultation so some changes on gathering local views have been made.
Housing chair Councillor Ben Thompson said: "It's easier now for you to have a say."
David Goldie, head of housing, will be hosting online webinars to explain the rent setting process in Highland Council and will be available afterwards to answer questions.
Any council tenant can attend one of the online sessions by emailing tenant.participation@highland.gov.uk to book a place:
Monday December 14 10:30am or 2:30pm
Tuesday December 15 at 6:30pm
Responses to the consultation can be made in any of the following ways:
By Text: Option 1 or Option 2 to . This number will close at the end of the consultation.
Online: by following the Survey Monkey Link
By email
Anyone unable to respond using any of these options can call between 9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday and ask to speak to someone about the Rent Consultation.
Councillor Thompson said: “The council is required to consult on council house rent proposals. The consultation this year takes a different form in order to make sure every tenant can comment, while doing so safely.
"This year there have been exceptional costs due to the impact of the pandemic. The proposed rent changes reflect that as well as the need to fund significant ongoing investment and upgrades to 14,000 council houses.
"Responses to the consultation have a direct impact on the council's rent setting process. I'd encourage everyone to get involved and have their say whether by phone, text or email.”
Further information is available here