The first paper introduces a new Housing Acquisitions and Disposal Policy for 2026–30, setting out a proactive, evidence-based approach to managing council housing assets.

The policy allows the council to sell properties that are no longer financially viable to retain or renovate, while ring-fencing the proceeds to acquire homes where there is clear housing need, sound condition, and financial viability.

A key example given is properties in mixed-tenure blocks, where the council could become a majority or outright owner, making shared repairs far easier to manage.

Each transaction will be assessed case-by-case by an Acquisitions and Disposals Panel, reviewed by the Housing Revenue Account Programme Board, and approved in line with the council’s Scheme of Delegation. This policy runs alongside — not instead of — the council’s existing open market acquisition routes under the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

Councillor Andy Forrest, cabinet spokesperson for Housing and Property Maintenance, said the policy responds to growing pressure on the housing system, pointing to the Affordable Housing Emergency declared by the council in November 2024 amid reduced national investment and wider market constraints.

He said the approach ensures purchases and sales are guided by clear criteria and financial assessment, while supporting the council’s wider goals on regeneration, climate action and long-term financial sustainability.

The second paper adopts the Below Tolerable Standard Strategy 2026–2030 and a new Scheme of Assistance, setting out how the council will help private homeowners meet legal housing standards. As with all Scottish local authorities, East Lothian has a statutory duty to tackle substandard living conditions in private housing.

The Below Tolerable Standard Strategy is built around four principles:

1. Evidence – improving data and intelligence on housing condition
2. Educate – raising awareness of homeowner responsibilities
3. Enable – supporting owners through advice and assistance
4. Enforce – taking proportionate statutory action where necessary

The accompanying Scheme of Assistance prioritises support for properties below the Tolerable Standard, homes in serious disrepair, vulnerable households, and adaptations for independent living.

A home meets the Tolerable Standard if it is safe, structurally sound, free from serious damp, adequately heated and insulated, properly lit and ventilated, and has access to clean water and a private toilet.

Councillor Forrest said the council would rely on communities to help report substandard properties, adding that enforcement would remain a last resort after efforts to connect owners with advice and funding. He said the two policies would help East Lothian make the best use of its housing stock, target new purchases where demand is highest, and tackle long-term empty homes, both council-owned and privately owned, in a practical and economical way.

Both strategies were developed jointly across council services including Housing Strategy, Environmental Protection, Building Standards and Regeneration, and support the council’s Local Housing Strategy 2024–29. The acquisitions and disposals policy will be formally reviewed every five years by the Housing Strategy team.