Council tenants will be asked their views on a rent rise at the 'darkest of times' councillors were warned this week as a public consultation was given the go ahead.
Midlothian Council is considering introducing a rent increase from April next year if the current Scottish Government freeze is lifted.
But concerns over a plan to ask tenants how much they are willing to pay during the cost of living crisis were voiced at a meeting as it was revealed they would be consulted over the winter months.
READ MORE: Midlothian councillors warn cost of living crisis is going to get worse
Councillor Stuart McKenzie, who moved the report asking for the public consultation to be approved, said they would have to understand people would respond depending on their current circumstances.
He said "I think it is right it goes out to public consultation,. We have always said we want to be a listening council.
"With regards to it going out to consultation in the darkest of times, there is nothing we can do to avoid that.
"Of course we are trying to plan for ten years ahead but I suspect that most people taking part in the consultation will be looking at what is in their pockets that day, if anything."
Council tenants will be asked their views on a rent increase of up to 6% with an outline of how many new homes could be built depending on the rise agreed.
A report to elected members revealed hundreds of council homes which were classed as ‘new builds’ and charged a premium rent are set to lose their status over the next three years reducing the rent that can be collected by around £580,000.
And it said a rent increase would be needed to build more new homes to support a waiting list of 4,237 households, including more than 600 homeless ones.
The report said: “The Scottish Housing Regulator recommends that landlords consult tenants about rent increases in ways that enable them to express informed views on options for different rent levels with clear information on what they mean for services and investment in homes.”
The results of the consultation will be brought back to a meeting of the council in February.
READ NEXT:
New Midlothian homes rejected as 'undesirable' by Scottish Ministers
Midlothian homeowner loses appeal to keep 'pretty ugly' windows that open wrong way
Midlothian Library staff to be trained to use heroin antidote kits
Edinburgh cabbie loses appeal over house for kids - as garden is too small
Former Midlothian library site to be turned into low energy social housing
