Council tenants urged to share views on how their rent should be spent

The City of Edinburgh Council is asking tenants to give their feedback on how it invests in Council homes, neighbourhoods, and services.

With just six weeks to go until this year’s consultation closes on Friday 29 November, tenants across the capital are being reminded to share their views on how they’d like their rent to be spent.

In February this year, councillors agreed to increase rent by 7% every year, for five years, starting in April 2024. The longer-term strategy gives tenants more certainty about the rent they pay and helps the Council better plan spending to improve homes and services.

The Council also introduced the Tenant Hardship Fund which offers financial assistance for tenants struggling to make rent payments. This year, the fund was increased to a maximum award of two fortnightly rent charges per tenant per year.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “We’re determined to provide a better service to our tenants, improve their homes, and build more places for people to live because everyone deserves a suitable and affordable place to call home.

“That’s why we want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to share their views on how we spend and invest in their homes, neighbourhoods, and services. I’d urge every tenant to visit our website and share their priorities for how they’d like their rent to be spent.

“I also want tenants and residents’ groups to know that they can come to us if they’re worried about being able to pay their rent or have already missed payments.”

Find out more and share your views here at the consultation hub.

Tenants who are struggling to pay rent can speak to their housing officer or contact tenanthardshipfund@edinburgh.gov.uk.