Council house tenants in North Ayrshire could see a drop in their rent costs when a new simplified rent structure is rolled out in April.

More than 2000 tenants took part in a consultation last year and called for a change to make the rent system fairer and more straightforward.

The current charging system is based on size, type of property and the type of heating system installed and has resulted in more than 250 different rent levels.

Many residents living in smaller-sized properties are paying a higher rental charge than tenants of a larger-sized property.

The new approved model, chosen by residents, is based on the size and type of property they live in to ensure an equal rate.

It will result in a decrease for the majority of tenants and the agreed annual rent increase of 2.79% for 2018/19 will be applied the the new model.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie said: "When we launched our rent review, our aim was to ensure we have a system which is fair and transparent for our tenants.

"The new model chosen by tenants is based on the size and type of property they live in and ensures no-one pays more or less than they should.

"In North Ayrshire, our tenants have rent levels which are below the Scottish average and neighbouring registered social landlords.

"The fact that the majority of tenants will actually pay less under our new model will reinforce our commitment to keep rent levels at a fair and reasonable level."