Tuesday November 3rd 2026
East Lothian Council headquarters
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
East Lothian Council tenants are being asked for their views on proposals to increase rents by at least 6.5% from April 2027.
All council tenants have received a letter or email outlining the proposals for the 2027-28 financial year and inviting them to take part in a consultation.
The proposed increase would amount to an average weekly rise of £6.09, with the council saying additional income is needed to maintain housing services and invest in existing and new council homes.
East Lothian Council said its rents remain among the lowest for council housing in Scotland. Last year’s rent increase was 7%.
Feedback from tenants and the East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel (ELTRP) will be considered before a report is presented to a special council meeting in February 2027.
Councillors will then make a decision on the wider council budget, with the rent increase forming part of that process.
Councillor Andy Forrest, Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing and Property Maintenance, said tenant feedback was important in ensuring their views were represented.
He said rising inflation and costs meant an annual rent increase needed to be considered to maintain services, fund repairs and maintenance, modernise existing homes and support new housing developments.
The consultation will also ask tenants how satisfied they are with the services they receive, what they believe should be prioritised and what level of rent increase they consider fair.
Last year’s survey found tenants placed the greatest value on repairs and door and window replacements, followed by home modernisation, energy efficiency improvements and investment in new council homes.
The council added that 65% of respondents to last year’s survey felt their rent offered good value for money.
Councillor Forrest encouraged all tenants to complete the questionnaire, either by post or online, to help inform the final decision.
The consultation closes on Sunday, November 15.
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