Tenants warned they face rise in rents

Castle Rock Edinvar has written to 1200 customers saying it may have to increase rents. The housing association said that the increases are part of its plans to make sure tenants of the former Edinvar and Castle Rock companies, which were merged in 2005, are paying the same rates.

Some customers could face their rent rising by as much as a third, and the firm has already received 24 complaints about its proposals.

Sandy Welsh, head of housing services at Castle Rock Edinvar, said: "I can see why it comes as such a shock when people see such a big increase so I have sympathy with them.

"I am aware of people who will struggle and, while I cannot pre-empt what we as a company decide, we may decide to spread the level of increases over a number of years."

Livingston MSP Angela Constance said: "I have been contacted by distressed constituents who are now worried about how they will keep a roof over their heads. As a matter of urgency I have written to Castle Rock Edinvar and the Housing Minister, Alex Neil."