Dundee must improve council housing in the city but the upgrade will "come at a cost", that's the message from housing convener Jimmy Black at the start of a consultation process on next year's council rents.

A report to the city council's housing, Dundee Contract Services and environment services committee on Monday (November 23) proposes a rent rise of £2.22 a week on average. The proposal would then go out for consultation before being reconsidered in January.

Councillor Black said: "The Scottish Housing Regulator told us we were letting flats in poor condition, and that some were dirty. We're keen to sort this out, and part of the increase we propose will go to better cleaning of empty flats and redecoration where required.

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"We also need to increase the repairs budget, deal with some local issues such as broken fencing on our housing estates, and provide more training for staff.

"That's all on top of the big push to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015. Many properties have still to be upgraded and this often involves new kitchens, bathrooms and roofs, as well as controlled entry systems."

According to Cllr Black the most frustrating thing is that the council are burdened with a massive debt from the past.

"By the time we meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, around 40p of every pound paid in rent will go to the banks. That doesn't leave enough for repairs and relets, and that's why we're proposing this rent increase," he said.

The council is now seeking the views of Dundee Federation of Tenants' Associations, and information about the rent proposal will be posted in housing offices, and on the council's website. All tenants will be sent a leaflet explaining the increase and asking for their views.

The housing department will have an open day early in December which will include information stands and a question and answer session.

Other charges will also be reviewed, including concierge service, garage lock-ups and heating charges, with any changes being applied from April next year.

(GK/KMcA)