A new rent
assistance fund to offer financial support to Council tenants has been
approved.
Councillors from the Communities,
Housing and Public Protection Committee welcomed the introduction of a £500k
Rent Assistance Fund pilot funded from the 2024/25 Housing Revenue Account
(HRA) budget.
Convener of
the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee Councillor Miranda
Radley said: “We understand that rising costs and the impact of the
cost-of-living crisis has been a concerning time for everyone across
Aberdeen.
“It is
important that we continue to offer a range of support to our tenants and I
hope that the introduction of this fund will enable us to provide assistance to
those who need it.”
Vice convener
Councillor Dell Henrickson said: “The introduction of this new pilot fund will
allow us to positively engage with our tenants on a wide range of issues that
they may be struggling with.”
The Pilot Rent
Assistance Fund aims to assist Council tenants who may be facing financial
hardship and through no fault of their own can’t afford an increase in the rent
they currently pay.
It is
anticipated that the Fund will help to build-up trust and better relationships
with tenants in need of support and reduce the need for legal actions,
evictions and dealing with resulting homelessness.
A report into
the impact of the Fund as part of the HRA Budget papers for 2025/26 will be
presented to Council in December.