Rent Review 2026/27

Yorkhill Housing Association is currently reviewing its budget for the next financial year, 2026/27, and the rent charge for our homes is part of this review.

Our rents continue to be among the lowest in the West End of Glasgow, and compare very favourably against other housing associations in the area. We will always aim to keep these rents as low as possible, however like everyone else our costs go up with inflation and we must increase rent charges to cover these costs.

We will always try to find the right balance between rent affordability and the need to maintain our services and continue investing in our homes. This includes things like replacing kitchens and bathrooms and further improving the energy efficiency of our homes to help limit your energy costs, and to provide services such as stair cleaning and welfare and money advice.

When deciding on future rent levels we consider the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure of inflation as an indication of our likely costs in the forthcoming year. In the past we decided to increase rents by a rate that was below-inflation.

For example in 2021/22 we froze our rents with no increase added whatsoever, and in 2023/24 the Association decided to increase the rent charges by 6.0% at a point where inflation was as high as 11.1%.

Our previous increases are listed in the table below:

Due to below-inflation increases in 21/22 and 23/24 we had notified tenants that future increases would be above-inflation to recover this shortfall. As such in 24/25 and 25/26 we increased rents by CPI plus an additional 1%, and in 25/26 an additional 0.2% was added to fund the Association's Estate Caretaker service. The most recent CPI rate available is 3.6%.

We understand that the current economic situation is causing increased bills for our tenants. Unfortunately the Association is also subject to higher bills, and despite our attempts to reduce our outgoings we require additional funds to cover our outgoings.

Our contractors have increased their bills due to their own higher outgoings. Our contracts are carefully managed, and costs are taken into account when selecting work to be carried out. We have implemented recent changes such as employing Estate Caretakers to reduce our outgoings in relation to void works and estate management, and we will continue to evaluate future contracts to achieve the best value for money.

From next year the Association must pay contributions to a pension deficit. This deficit occurred due to economic pressures on the combined Scottish Social Housing sector pension scheme (SHAPS). This is a sector-wide issue. We unfortunately have no control over these payments, and we cannot take any action to reduce our deficit obligations.

Additionally from April 2025 the Chancellor announced higher Employer National Insurance liabilities through a combination of increased contribution rates, and a lower threshold before payments are required. This results in increased costs to the Association.

The Management Committee and Senior Management Team will continue to review our financial plans, however many of these increased costs are outwith our control. We will endeavour to reduce our outgoings as much as possible, while maintaining our requirements to keep homes safe, secure, and energy efficient.

Due to these new expenditures, and the wider economic situation, we require to increase your rent by rates higher than expected. Two options have been prepared for consultation with our tenants:

*Please note that future increases are based on the UK Government’s expectation of a 2% CPI rate, and evaluation of the rent increase will still be carried out annually.

We would like to hear your views on this rent increase proposal. A questionnaire leaflet is provided below. The deadline is no later than Monday 1st December 2025 in order for your views to be considered. All returned comment forms will be entered into a draw and two tenants will receive a £30 shopping voucher.

If you complete the survey online you do not need to return a paper copy which may have been posted to you, and you will still be entered into the online draw!

If you are struggling to pay your rent, or if you have any money worries, please get in touch as soon as possible. The Association has a Welfare Rights Officer who can provide information and support on a range of benefit issues. Alternatively we can offer a referral to Drumchapel Money Advice Centre for debt or money advice. Both services are free for all tenants. If you would like an appointment for either please contact me as soon as possible.

If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact this office on 0141 285 7910, or administration@yorkhillha.org.