The council is proposing to increase rents by a minimum of 6.5% (an average weekly increase of £6.09) to continue to provide housing services and invest in our existing and new council housing. East Lothian rents remain some of the lowest in Scotland for council housing. Last year’s rent increase was 7%. 

The views of tenants and the East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel (ELTRP) will be considered and a report then taken to the special council meeting in February 2027, when councillors will take 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: “The views of our tenants are important to us and the more tenants who take part in our consultation, the more accurately they are represented.

“While we understand the financial pressures that everyone is facing, we must look at an annual rent increase for tenants due to inflation and rising costs. It is essential that we continue to deliver our housing service and cover the costs of repairs and maintenance, modernisation of our homes and new build developments. 

“What the consultation helps us assess is how satisfied tenants are with the service they receive and what their priorities are for how we spend their rent money – as well as what level of increase they believe is fair. Last year’s survey showed that our tenants put most value on the repairs service and door and window replacements, followed by modernisation including energy efficiency measures, and investing in new council homes. It was also heartening to see that 65 per cent of those who responded felt that the rent they pay is good value for money. 

“Feedback from tenants and ELTRP will be crucial to us in taking a final decision on the increase and ensuring the money is spent on the services that tenants most value. I would encourage everyone to fill in the questionnaire they receive in the post or go online.”

The consultation runs until Sunday 15 November.