RENT payments for council properties in the Wee County are set to increase by 2.2 per cent if the budget is approved today (Wednesday, March 6).

The increase comes as charges on average are going up by 2.8 per cent at Clackmannanshire Council, “proposed in line with assumptions around inflation”.

If approved by elected members, a three-bedroom house will cost £80.84 a week, with tenants charged for 48 weeks a year, or around £3,880.32 per annum.

The most expensive council lets, six-bedroom properties, will cost £86.58 a week.

Council documents say that the general 2.8 per cent increase in fees and charges “was considered to have minimal impact” during the budget consultation feedback.

Prices for lock-up garages will be set at £7.66 for council tenants and £9.19 for non-tenants, again charged for 48 weeks a year.

Annual charges for garage pitch sites, including VAT, will be £104.23.

The review of charges comes each year as the council sets its budget for the next 12 months.

Council papers said: “All aspects of the council’s income and expenditure were taken into account including comparison with other councils, discussion with services and consideration of service proposals to introduce a service charge or increase charges in some areas.

“The budget engagement process also included the proposal to increase fees and charges by 2.8 per cent which was considered to have minimal impact in the consultation feedback.”

Officers are also working on proposals for engagement with owners in mixed tenure blocks – looking into whether householders are charged an ongoing management and administrative fee for mutual repair works.

Costs of repairs of damage caused by a tenant, resident or visitor will be recovered in full.

The largest increase, a sizeable 25 per cent extra, will be seen in charges relating to temporary accommodation and support.

Council documents added that: "This is in line with the demand and type of accommodation provided."

If approved, this increase will be effective from April 1.