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Thank you for participating in this Consultation.

Have Your Say

Every year we ask you for your views on the rent you will pay next year. We are still facing challenging times with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis still being widely felt. Last year it was agreed that a significant increase, 7.95%, was required to provide funds to reduce the backlog of 1,500 lower priority repairs (now under 600). This year we are asking you to consider three options and will explain how this will look for you and essential housing services in the year ahead.
It is so important to give us your feedback, even if you receive help with paying your rent through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, we want to hear your views. Completing the survey will help us understand your views and help us to balance rent affordability with having enough money to spend on improving homes and delivering services you value.

In addition to maintaining the homes that we already have, Highland Council are investing in building new homes as we continue to see demand for quality, affordable housing increase. We have also seen a significant increase in costs to maintain communal areas, meaning that some areas have received less attention than in previous years.

The November UK Budget announced a significant increase in national insurance contributions for employers, including in the public sector, and this, along with an increase in staffing costs due to pay awards and an increase in interest rates affecting borrowing costs, have influenced this year’s consultation.

The rent consultation will run in Highland until Friday 13th December. The consultation will be mainly digital, though there will be some local pop-up events taking place.

Tenants also have the option to text their response and there is a dedicated number to call if you want to discuss the proposals in more detail; 07387 234107 (please note, this number is dedicated for the rent consultation. It will only be answered between 9am & 5pm Monday to Friday and will close after the consultation ends.)

If you have any questions, you can email us at tenant.participation@highland.gov.uk or call us on the number above.

What happens next?

We will use the feedback received from tenants to prepare a report for the Council’s Housing and Property Committee to consider when they set the level of rent and service charges on 29th January for 2025/26.

In addition to completing this survey, we urge you to contact your Local Councillor if you wish to discuss the rent consultation with them. Details can be found here: Elected Members

You can also find details of members on the Housing & Property Committee - Housing and Property Committee

We will write to you at least four weeks in advance to notify you of the new rent and service charges coming into effect for 2025/26.

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