Falkirk Council tenants face 2% rent increase from April

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Falkirk council rent is set to rise by 2 per cent this year. Councillors also agreed to spend £347 million over the next five years to carry out improvements to existing homes and provide additional homes.

A meeting of Falkirk Council today (Wednesday) agreed to the programme which will see £38.7 million being spent this year alone on improvements to around 6800 properties.

Councillors also agreed that rents will increase by 2 per cent from April 1 for Falkirk Council’s 16,700 tenants – an average rise of £1.44 per week.Several councillors spoke about the financial pressures that many tenants are currently under and they were told that the impact on rent arrears was being closely monitored.Members also heard that more than half of all tenants will be fully protected from any increase as they get housing benefit or Universal Credit.The improvement works will include £6.5 million on re-roofing, roughcasting and £3.75 million on replacement kitchens and bathrooms, while £15 million will be spent in the next year on replacement doors and windows.In total, £7 million will be spent on energy efficiency works, with around 1,100 properties each year getting new heating systems at a cost of £2 million as well as heating upgrades to three high rise blocks.Further work will also be done on replacement cladding at Glenfuir Court.Falkirk Live brings you the latest headlines from Falkirk and beyond.But did you know all the ways you can stay informed with us?We share live news and exclusive scoops every day so make sure you're following us so we can keep you informed on all things Falkirk!Councillors also heard that work will start on the £5.5 million project approved last year to provide more cost-effective and efficient heating