RENT collections in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area have been dropping.

And there are concerns that the impact of Universal Credit could make things worse.

Councillors have made it clear that they want this situation tackled.

The Cowdenbeath Area Committee heard from Housing Chief, Russell Gray, that the rent arrears figures for the district are high compared with other parts of Fife standing at 98 per cent.

He added: "In our area tenants are more likely to have an arrangement to repay.

"However, something we have been having to tackle a situation where there are tenants who can pay but who have refused to pay.

"Now that may sound strange but we evicted seven tenants because of this."

Ballingry councillor Mary Lockhart asked: "Will the impact of Universal Credit not have a marked affect on our rent arrears figures."

Russell added: "We are expecting an impact and our staff have been training in how to deal with this.

"We want to help tenants get through the minefield that may exist for many through the effects of Universal Credit."

Councillor Lea McLelland asked about the 'can pay won't pay scenario' that the Area Housing Officer talked about which saw seven tenants evicted.

Russell went on: "We are not talking about people who are on benefits, these are working people who are not prepared to pay."