COUNCIL tenants could see substantial increases in payments to redecorate their homes after repair work.

Richmondshire District Council is proposing to raise allowances for both redecoration and disturbance costs, paid out after council workers have undertaken repairs or improvements.

From April 1, payments per room for redecoration will be increased by 32 per cent to £55, if the plan is approved.

Disturbance payments will also rise by 32 per cent to £46, if tenants remain in their home while the work is carried out, and to £22 if they move out.

Housing officer Colin Dales said in a report to councillors: "As well as needing to be simplified, current payments have clearly fallen out of step with inflation.

"Uplifts in the revised policy are therefore well above inflation, with the intention of providing annual uplifts in future years."

The payments will be discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday, January 18.