Following a consultation exercise, tenants in Dundee have supported plans for the lowest rent rise in the city for more than a decade.

In a report, which is going before the Council's Housing Committee next week, it is proposed to increase rent by 2.25%. This was the lowest of three options presented that will help continue improvements to homes across Dundee.

The last time the council approved a rent increase of less than 3% was in 2001.

Commenting on the decision, John Alexander, Convener of the Housing Committee, said: "More than 1500 people took part in the consultation exercise this year to inform the level at which we charge rent for 2014/2015.

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"That is an impressive number by any standard and shows the level of engagement that our tenants have with the council.

"It also reflects the numbers of people who have seen their homes improved as a result of levels of investment we have been able to make through prudent rent increases in previous years."

He continued: "We have been making significant advances in bringing our housing stock up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard including the installation of energy efficient gas central heating systems, new kitchens and bathrooms and thermal insulation.

"A 2.25% increase will provide us with enough income to maintain current progress towards completing the remaining number of homes that need upgraded by the 2015 deadline.

"It will also allow us to fund £1.2m of capital expenditure to advance the successful energy efficiency programme."

If Councillors back the proposed rent increase, it will work out at an average £1.49 more per council house per week for the year beginning on April 7, 2014.

(JP/IT)