A Scottish council has released emergency support for existing tenants following a meeting where rent increases were announced.

North Lanarkshire Council revealed the emergency support for tenants who may fall behind on their rent payments.  

The "ground-breaking" £1 million Rent Assistance Fund will promote early intervention and support for tenants most in need. It will help the council sustain tenancy levels and avoid homelessness while facing cost-of-living price rises.

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It comes after an increase to rent and other services by 7% was agreed by the local authority.

Councillor Michael McPake, housing convener, said: “As the largest social housing landlord in Scotland with close to 37,000 homes across North Lanarkshire.

"We are helping thousands of families and individuals, many of whom are financially stretched, have access to quality, warm homes in welcoming communities. 

“A home fundamentally allows people to put roots down in a community and generates additional social and economic benefits.  

“Around £334m investment over five years is being carried out to our existing housing stock and that investment is much-valued as demonstrated in our recent tenant survey which showed that overall service satisfaction increased by 5.4% to 86.6%, which is above the Scottish average of 83.2%."

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The councilor went on to add: "The information we gather from this type of survey is vital in helping us improve and shape our housing provision.  

“And it is with that type of quality information that allows us to understand that many tenants continue to face increased hardship and financial difficulties from the cost of living crisis.

"To assist the most vulnerable people in our communities, it has been agreed to set up a recurring £1m Rent Assistance Fund which will provide immediate and emergency support for existing tenants who have fallen behind on their rent payments.  

“This additional income will support the continued high-quality housing service along with plans for record capital investment to ensure that the Council continues to meet home quality standards, build new homes, buy back properties and reprovision towers and walk-up flats.”