COUNCILLORS have approved a rent rise for tenants of 2 per cent.

The proposed rent increase is an average of £1.53 per week, according to a report to West Dunbartonshire Council. There would be a similar increase in rents for the gypsy travellers site.

Council reports state the average weekly rent of £74.87 in 2017/18 was the fourth highest of Scotland’s 26 housing authorities and 6 per cent above the Scottish average.

The 2 per cent increase in rent for this year was backed by 54 per cent of 303 people who responded to a survey. The rest of responses were split between backing 2.5 or 3 per cent hikes, which would have paid for additional electrical testing and safety work.

In a statement after the meeting, Councillor Diane Docherty, convener of housing and communities, said: “I was delighted with the response to the consultation and I was pleased that councillors listened to the voice of our tenants when it came to making this important decision.

"I want to once again thank all of the tenants who took part in the consultation and encourage everyone to have their say in future consultations.”