Clackmannanshire councillors approve plans to increase council rent by 6% within weeks

Council rent in Clackmannanshire will go up by 6% from the end of March.

The rise – which will see the average weekly rent go up to £104.53 – was approved by councillors on Thursday after a consultation process which has seen residents quizzed about possible increases of six, seven and eight per cent.

Clackmannanshire Council members also agreed the housing capital programme which will see nearly £17m invested into housing.

As part of efforts to improve housing in the Wee County, the council last year bought 29 “off the shelf” homes on the open market and director of place, Kevin Wells, said 11 more purchases are set to take place.

Investment in existing tenants’ homes will include roof and render works, window replacements, new kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems all planned.

Long-awaited work to build eight bungalows on Lochies Road in Clackmannan is also set to begin with the start of the new financial year.

Backing the recommendations, Clackmannanshire Central councillor Jane McTaggart said they had listened to tenants before deciding on the rent rise amount.

“A lesser rise would negatively impact on service delivery and capacity or meet the needs of tenants,” she said.

“As councillors, we know the pressure on our capacity to meet the demand for housing in Clackmannanshire. We know how difficult it is to meet the expectations of those on the housing list whether for transfer or new tenants. There just are not enough houses to meet the demand.

“We continue to buy off the shelf properties which is cost effective and a quick way to increase our stock. This will continue alongside exploring other avenues open to us with a specific focus on reducing homelessness in the country.”

Cllr Scott Harrison, who represents Clackmannanshire East, added: “One of the most important things to people in communities is to have a safe, warm home and investment being put in housing stock should ensure this is the case for our tenants.

“I acknowledge council rents have risen. The increase ensures the council can continue to carry out improvement to housing stock.”

Councillors also agreed that rents for garages and lock ups would not change and approved plans to set the weekly rent at the council’s travellers’ site at Westhaugh to £98.56, which will rise in 2026/7 by 6% in line with the increase to house rents.