All council tenants have been sent a letter and questionnaire explaining the proposals for a rent increase for 2026-27 and asking for their feedback.
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
- We must increase council rents next finanical year to continue to deliver our housing service
- Tenants are being asked about three options for the increase
- Last year's increase allowed us to prioritise £1m investment in new windows and doors - a priority for tenants
The consultation is live now and will run for six weeks, finishing on Friday 14 November. Feedback from tenants and from the East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel (ELTRP) will be considered and a report then taken to the special council meeting in February 2026, 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: “While we understand the financial pressures that everyone is facing, the fact is we must increase council rents for the 2026-27 financial year to continue to deliver our housing service. This covers the costs of repairs and maintenance, modernisation of our homes and new build developments.
“Last financial year the rent increase of 6.5% allowed us to sustain service delivery and prioritise £1m of investment to accelerate the replacement of windows and doors in line with what tenants told us was a priority for them. Your rent also enables us to continue to make sure our properties meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by replacing kitchens and bathrooms and carrying out energy efficiency measures.
“This year we are looking at a minimum increase of 7%, which is an average increase of £6.12 per week. We know this proposal will be disappointing for some tenants given the financial pressures we all face, but we must balance those pressures with being able to provide a level of service that addresses the high demand for council housing and our need to keep homes safe, secure and well-maintained.
“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. We know from previous feedback that most tenants think that the rent they pay is good value for money and that East Lothian has one of the lowest rent levels for council properties in Scotland. I would encourage everyone to fill in the questionnaire they receive in the post or go online.”
Options being proposed are:
- 7% (average £6.12 per week) – the minimum required to deliver the service
- 8% (average £7 per week) – to help improve the service further and to invest an additional £1 million to advance the modernisation programme and to increase potential investment in new housing to meet the needs of our tenants
- An additional rent increase but no bigger than an average £8 per week – to help improve the service further, to invest an additional £1 million to advance modernisation and to ensure we are prepared for future energy efficiency standards
The questionnaire can be completed and posted back to us or it can be completed online. Details of support for anyone who needs help giving us their feedback can be found on the website or on the letter sent to tenants.