Housing annual performance report 2021/2022
Contents
Getting good value from rents and service charges 2021/22
We are one of the lowest rents amongst Scottish local authorities with an average weekly rent of £74.58. On average our rents are £5.12 lower than other Scottish Local Authority Landlords
Rent collection
In 2021/22 we collected 97.78% of rent due to us, and although this is a very slight decrease (0.11%) on the previous year, our rent collection remains strong.
Our Housing Rents Team continue to secure direct Universal Credit payments and pursue other tenant debt, despite the impact of the pandemic and the restrictions imposed on us.
We continue to develop new and innovative financial packages to help prevent tenants falling into the cycle of rent arrears, including:
- The Universal Credit Assistance Fund was introduced to mitigate the financial difficulties our tenants experience because of the built-in waiting times when applying for Universal Credit.
- The Rent Relief fund was introduced to help with the financial impact of the pandemic on tenants’ income
As a result of these funds, we have supported our tenants and reduced arrears. In addition, our enhanced Income Maximisation service generated £13,023,541 for tenants and residents through Housing Benefit, Council Tax reduction, Discretionary Housing Benefit and other benefit awards.
| Indicator Description | 2019/20 | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | Local Authority Average | NLC Performance Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent collected as percentage of total rent due in the reporting year | 100.45% | 97.89% | 97.78% | 98.60% | Not improved |
| Gross rent arrears (all tenants) as at 31 March each year as a percentage of rent due for the reporting year | 7.91% | 7.48% | 7.65% | 8.70% | Not Improved |
| Percentage of rent due lost through homes being empty during the last year | 0.63% | 0.73% | 1.00% | 1.60% | Not Improved |
| Percentage of tenants who feel that the rent for their property represents good value for money | 85.50% | 85.50% | 77.97% | 81.00% | Not Improved |
We understand that some tenants can sometimes have financial problems and we can provide money advice to help them manage their income and pay their rent.
If you would like to find out if your income can be maximised, then please contact us. We are extremely keen to help as many tenants as possible during this very uncertain financial climate. Please get in touch!
Contact us
Central Rents Team
01698 524811
Dalziel Building
7 Scott Street
Motherwell ML1 1SX
southrents@northlan.gov.uk
For rent enquiries in Motherwell, Wishaw, Shotts, Viewpark, Bellshill
northrents@northlan.gov.uk
For rent enquiries in Airdrie, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Moodiesburn