Measures to reduce the level of rent arrears are working, and the outstanding amounts of money are steadily declining, according to Angus Council.

There has been a noticeable drop in the number of cases where tenants owe in excess of £1000, from 277 in March this year, down to 191 in October.

Convener of neighbourhood services, Jim Miller said: "The overall downward trend in rent arrears is encouraging, but we know there are still challenges to overcome. We are increasing our efforts to reduce the number of people, currently around 1800, who have rent arrears of up to £500.

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"We are also vigorously pursuing, by all means at our disposal, more than 1100 former tenants of Angus Council who have arrears totalling more than £500,000. We are also working with our legal department to use existing council trace and collect contracts as further methods of recovering money owed us."

Mr Miler noted that although the council remains committed to giving full support, help and advice with rent payments, they must make it clear that rent payment is a priority and failure to pay can lead to sanctions, including eviction.

The council's Neighbourhood Services Committee will be asked to note the current position and the progress to date at a meeting this Thursday.

(GK/KMcA)