Independent research company Craigforth has been commissioned to carry out a large-scale survey of applicants.

Councillor Andy Forrest, cabinet spokesperson for housing and property maintenance, said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the survey.

“Survey findings will help the council and partners to ensure we are making best use of our existing stock as well as helping us to plan future housing and housing services. It will shape council policy across the housing and planning services. This is extremely important as it will make sure we are delivering the right type and size of houses in the right locations to meet our residents’ needs.”

General applicants on the council housing list will have received a letter inviting them to take part in the survey, with transfer applicants due to be contacted from Monday 10 November. Taking part in the survey is completely anonymous and will have no impact on a housing application.  

The survey will be open until Monday 15th December. After the survey closes, Craigforth will take all results and create a report on the housing needs of those on East Lothian Council’s housing list, which is expected to be published in March 2026.