The Highland Council has given the go-ahead to a 'modest' increase in housing rents for the 2018/19 financial year.

The local authority's People Committee have approved a 0.5% rise in rent, which will result in an increase of 36p from £72.88 to £73.24 per week. The increase will also apply to Gypsy/Traveller site pitches.

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Committee Chair Cllr Andrew Baxter: "The Council has a legal requirement to balance its Housing Revenue Account income and expenditure at the end of each financial year. In order to achieve this, Members have accepted the proposal for a modest increase to housing rent and service charges for the coming year 2018/19.

"The Council continues to identify annual efficiency savings aimed at reducing management and maintenance costs without compromising best value for tenants. This very small rise in rents will help to ensure a continued housing service to tenants while meeting the Council’s legal requirements."

(LM)