1000 new council homes are to be built in Fife, following approval of proposals at the Annual Tenants’ Conference.

Executive Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Services, Councillor David Ross, launched the consultation at the event, earlier this month.

Speaking during the launch of Fife Council’s Housing Revenue Account, Councillor Ross used his welcome address to highlight council priorities for the year ahead.

He said Fife Council would be concentrating on the delivery of new affordable housing, meeting the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, developing more housing options for older people and working with tenants to improve estates.

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Councillor Ross said: "The level of budget available to address key priorities is heavily dependent on agreement around the increase in rents from the current year.

"Fife Council’s Executive Committee agreed a 'preferred' rent increase averaging £3.16 per week, including a 'catch up' on last year’s below inflation rise.

"The Executive Committee also agreed to consultation around a rent premium for new build Fife Council housing, taking into account the higher energy efficiency standards and lower overall housing costs."

A majority of tenant representatives at the Conference supported the preferred rent option, arguing it would support continued investment in existing council housing and could provide up to 1000 new council homes.

Councillor Ross added: "I can’t stress enough how important it is every council tenant takes the opportunity to make their views known on this proposed rent increase."

The responses to the survey will inform the final budget decision by the Executive Committee in February 2013.

(IT)