A two-month consultation period on next year's council-house rent levels in Dundee is set to get under way.

A report to the city council's housing, Dundee Contract Services and environment services committee on Monday (October 25) seeks approval for the consultation on proposed options for rents and other charges.

Tenants will also be given an indication of rent levels up to 2015 as part of the consultation which should start next month.

Committee convener Councillor Jimmy Black said: "The only way that we can maintain and improve council homes in the city is through rents. We are aiming to continue an investment programme that will enable us to fulfil our legal obligations to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) by 2015.

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"We have already made substantial improvements to the council's housing stock and we want to continue to provide new kitchens, bathrooms and other projects as part of the improvements.

"But to continue the investment in council houses means the rents have to increase. We recognise the difficulties that this can mean for people in the current financial climate but there is no other option if the standard is to be reached and homes improved for the benefit of our tenants.

"We want people to be fully aware of the options and that is why this consultation period is important to give all our tenants full information about the proposals, not just for the next financial year but for the following three years as well so that they have an idea about future rent levels."

The report to committee states that the base budget recommending a 4.5% rent increase is in line with the plan that has already been agreed for the delivery of the housing standard. The options include 4.75% and 5% which would allow more money for planned maintenance such as painterwork on closes and roof and gutter work.

(GK)