COUNCILLORS are delighted with the progress being made on housing issues in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area but have concerns about rent arrears figures.

A report was presented to Wednesday's Cowdenbeath Area Committee meeting detailing the positive work carried out in the communities under the committee's umbrella.

Some of the highlights included in the report shows the investment in prevention work from the Area Housing Team has led to, Average time to let properties reduced from 52 days to 31 days; Void rent loss is 0.97% which is below the target of 1.75% for the Cowdenbeath Area; Assisting vulnerable tenants who require help to start up or sustain their tenancies has been a success and tenancy starter packs which include cutlery, microwave, pots and pans etc. are provided for those in need; Engaging with tenants on improvements to Inchgall Avenue, Crosshill and improvements carried out to stock that was hard to let has resulted in all properties allocated

Residents of Den Court Sheltered Housing Unit in Cardenden successfully decanted to allow for refurbishment work to be carried out.

The new complex is due for completion in approximately two years and will consist of two bedroomed bungalows, two and one bedroomed apartments and a disability adapted 2 bedroomed apartment; and the Lumphinanns Care Village is due for completion April 2017, bringing a new care home and 30 units for extra care housing.

The report added, however: "Rent arrears performance has not improved.

"The responsibility for collecting rent is now mananged by Revenues and Collection Services who have undergone a re-structure to improve performance.

"Housing still have a role to play in terms of Tenancy Sustainment and a check and challenge process has been implemented for all front line staff. There are also challenges with the introduction of Universal Credit and Benefit Cap."

Lochs councillor Mary Lockhart said: "Rent arrears levels are still a real worry and I wonder if we could not make arrangement with the likes of the Benarty and Lochgelly Credit Union to see if that could help."

Lochgelly and Cardenden's Linda Erskine added: "As our three wards have significant levels of deprivation this is not a big surprise."

Councillor Mark Hood, Area Chair, commented: “It’s great to hear of the progress being made on housing issues.

"This report recognises the work that local staff, members and tenants have done to deliver better housing services in the Cowdenbeath area. The report highlights good practice as well as identifying areas of improvement”.

He too, though, aired concern at rent arrears levels.