Rent Level Consultation 2016-17

Overview

East Lothian Council consults with tenants, tenants and residents groups and East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel every year on our proposals to increase rents. This year, the consultation will end on Friday 8th January 2016.

We will use the results to prepare a report for a meeting of full council in February 2016 at which the council will set the budget. At this meeting, councillors will decide the level of rent and service charge increase for council tenants in the year 2016/17. We will then write to tell you what your rent and service charges will be for 2016-17. You should receive this letter at least four weeks before the 4th April 2016, which is the date that your payment will rise.

Last year, the majority of tenants opted for a 5% increase and identified their top spending priorities as providing more council homes, increasing bathroom upgrades and improving the repairs service. A letter has been sent out to all council tenants telling them how rent money is spent and inviting them to take part in this consultation - you can find a copy of this letter under 'Related Documents' below.

This year, the council is considering a rent increase of 5%. This is our best estimate of what it will take to maintain existing services and continue with our investment in the development of new council houses and maintenance and improvement of existing council houses. 

How to Have Your Say

If you are a council tenant you will receive a letter and a printed questionnaire through the post over the next week or so. You can either complete and return the printed questionnaire, or you can respond online by following the link below.

If you would like more information or to talk to someone about the rent proposals, please get in touch with Deborah Piner in the Service Development Team - Freephone 0800 413 721 or email tenantconsultation@eastlothian.gov.uk or write to Community Housing, East Lothian Council, Penston House, Macmerry, Industrial Estate, Macmerry, EH33 1EX