Housing annual performance report 2023/2024
Contents
Getting good value from rents and service charges 2023/2024
Our average rent is one of the lowest among Scottish local authorities, currently sitting at £93.65 per week. Our rent collection rates remain robust with us maintaining 99.3% of rent due collected in 2023/24. We've seen enhanced performance across all areas related to rent collection and value for money.
In light of the ongoing cost of living crisis, we continue to support our tenants. Our financial assistance programs for households facing rent challenges include:
- Universal Credit Assistance Fund (UCAF): This fund assists tenants who have fallen into arrears due to the five-week waiting period for Universal Credit payments.
- Rent Assistance Fund: This fund is aimed at council tenants on low incomes or those receiving Universal Credit who do not qualify for other financial support from the UK or Scottish Government.
Our Housing Solutions Income Maximisation Service continues to offers financial assessments, practical advice, and support through the online tool (budgeting and benefits calculator/advice page) to help navigate the complex benefits system. In 2023/24, this team generated an impressive £18m in additional income for our tenants.
| Indicator description | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | Local authority average | NLC performance direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent collected as percentage of total rent due in the reporting year | 97.8% | 99.5%% | 99.3% | 99.3% | Not improved |
| Gross rent arrears (all tenants) as at 31 March each year as a percentage of rent due for the reporting year | 7.6% | 7.3% | 7.0% | 9.5% | Improved |
| Percentage of rent due lost through homes being empty during the last year | 1.7% | 0.9% | 1.0% | 1.8% | Not improved |
| Percentage of tenants who feel that the rent for their property represents good value for money | 78.0% | 78.0% | 89.3% | 79.9% | Improved |
The dedication and professionalism of our staff are reflected in our performance results. We recognize that some tenants may experience financial difficulties, and our trained staff are equipped to assist with rent arrears, debt advice, and income maximization.
If you’d like to explore ways to maximize your income, please reach out to us. We’re eager to assist as many tenants as possible during these uncertain financial times. Contact us at:
- Telephone: 01698 524811
- Email:
- southrents@northlan.gov.uk for Bellshill, Motherwell, Shotts, Wishaw, and Viewpark:
- northrents@northlan.gov.uk for Airdrie, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, and Moodiesburn:
Our team is ready to help you.
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