RENFREWSHIRE Council tenants face an average weekly rent increase of two per cent in the coming year. 

Housing chiefs say the hike is the “minimum required” to cover running costs, while delivering ongoing investment in the council’s multi-storey flats and sheltered properties.

Cash would also go towards building more than 400 council houses over the next three years, including properties planned in Johnstone, Bishopton, Ferguslie Park, Gallowhill and Foxbar. 

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The proposed increase was put to residents in a consultation, which was carried out in January. 

A total of 85 tenants responded to an online survey, while more than 600 interviews were carried out by phone. 

More than half of tenants who responded online (56 per cent) and 82 per cent who took part in the telephone survey agreed with a two per cent rise. 

The council has also identified its housing priorities, which include delivering high quality services, keeping its properties in a good state of repair, improving the standard of existing stock, improving insulation and investing in the construction of new council houses. 

Almost £8.4 million has been earmarked for 2018/19 to go towards improvements in council housing, which include roofing works, upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, and other investment such as disabled adaptation and asbestos removal. 

Just under £18 million has been set aside for regeneration and new housing in the coming financial year. 

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If the plans are rubber-stamped, Johnstone Castle’s regeneration will benefit from around £9 million, while new build projects at Dargavel in Bishopton will be given £7 million. 

In 2020/21 £24.3 million has been set aside for regeneration and new builds, with £9 million set to go towards a project planned for Tannahill and around 9.5 million to new builds in South West Johnstone.

Gallowhill would take a share of just under £5 million in that financial year. 
Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, will present the proposals at tomorrow’s (Thursday) full council meeting.