West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has welcomed Renfrewshire Councils Housing Budget for 2009/2010.
Renfrewshire Councils Housing Revenue Account Budgets, Rent Levels and Capital Investment Plans 2009/2010 have proposed the average weekly rent and service charge increase of 4.0% for 2009/2010. The Council also proposed increases in the Councils Housing Investment Programme over the next 6 years and plan to improve housing conditions for council tenants in order to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS)
"In these financial times warm, dry, affordable housing is becoming more important than ever, so I was very pleased that Renfrewshire Councils housing plans look set to provide this.
"The rent increase set at 4% for 2009/2010 is very reasonable considering the improvements planned in the housing stock over the next few years, with the installation of new kitchens, replacement heating systems and bathrooms and the introduction of a rewiring programme.
"The housing improvements planned by Renfrewshire Council are just what is needed and will provide real improvements and benefits to the tenants of Renfrewshire.