COUNCIL tenants across East Renfrewshire are being urged to have their say on controversial proposals to increase rents.

Planned to come into effect later this year, the recommended 3.9 per cent rise would be used by East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) to look after its housing stock.

Legally, ERC is unable to use council tax or any other mainstream council income to maintain its properties.

And council chiefs have stressed that, with inflation making materials and repair work more costly, the bill for maintaining council properties is going up each year.

As a result, the local authority, which currently offers an average weekly rent that is below the Scottish average, wants to increase fees to ensure services can still be improved.

ERC has also said it wants to make sure its housing stock continues to be affordable, which is why it is asking tenants to comment on the proposed rent rise.

Councillor Danny Devlin, East Renfrewshire’s housing services convener, said: “It’s my absolute priority to ensure that council houses are the best that they can be – that they are modern, warm, well-maintained and safe homes.

“This means we need to invest in our stock and our only means to do this comes from rent money.

“In turn, we need to consider raising rents and we want to hear your views as they will help shape the final decision on the rent increase.”

To have your say, click here.