East Lothian Rent Hike Not Enough Says One Councillor

East Lothian council members agreed on a rent increase. The council house rent will rise by 6.5%. Some members wanted an even larger increase. The initial rent proposal was 7%.

Even with the rise, rent stays lower than most in Scotland. A council meeting addressed budgets for the year.

SNP Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies spoke at the meeting. She believes lower rent rates are not ideal. She supports the 6.5% increase now, but thinks rent should be higher than that.

Menzies checked rent in nearby areas. East Lothian charges up to £18 less per week and has Scotland’s third-lowest council rent total.

She noted high costs for buying houses, which translates to high private rent rates. Menzies heard from officers about a rise in homeless applications, and that people come from outside East Lothian. She asked if low rent attracts them.

Labour’s Andy Forrest handles housing. The rent rise allows the creation of new affordable homes, plus upgrades to existing ones.

Forrest said this was a tough choice. The council must raise rents to meet tenant needs. They must also keep delivering services.

Conservative George McGuire agreed with 6.5%. He feels they should look at rent soon and wants a review of county rent levels quickly.

Forrest proposed the rent increase. Menzies seconded this proposal. All council members supported the 6.5% rise.