Adobe StockCouncil tenants in East Ayrshire could face higher bills for certain property repairs under a revised charging system proposed by the local authority.
East Ayrshire Council is seeking approval to introduce a new price list from April 1, 2027, covering work where tenants or former tenants are held responsible for damage or other costs.
The proposed charges would apply to a range of repairs, including joinery, plumbing, electrical work, plastering, painting, cleaning and property clearances.
Council officers say the existing schedule has not been reviewed for several years and no longer reflects the actual cost of carrying out repairs.
They argue that failing to recover reasonable costs means the shortfall is being met through the Housing Revenue Account, which is funded by council housing income.
The proposed system would introduce revised prices based on labour, materials and other costs associated with delivering the service.
Councillors are also being asked to agree that charges should be reviewed annually and adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index.
Individual charges could be reviewed separately where the actual cost of carrying out particular work has changed significantly.
However, the proposals also include exemptions intended to protect vulnerable tenants and people who are not responsible for damage to their homes.
In cases involving domestic abuse or violence, tenants would not automatically be held liable for damage caused by a perpetrator.
Exemptions would also be considered where criminal damage has been caused by a third party, with officers taking account of supporting evidence and individual circumstances.
The council says staff would have discretion to consider exceptional cases, adopting a trauma-informed approach.
Tenants who dispute responsibility for a repair charge would have the right to appeal through the council’s complaints procedure.
The report also proposes financial safeguards for households unable to meet repair costs immediately.
These include affordable repayment arrangements, referrals to welfare rights advisers and discretion to defer, reduce or waive recovery in exceptional circumstances.
Officers acknowledge that increasing repair charges could place additional pressure on households already facing rising living costs.
The council says the changes are intended to strike a balance between recovering repair costs and protecting financially vulnerable tenants.
Cabinet will be asked to approve the revised charging framework when it meets on November 18.
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