Midlothian Council to launch consultation on future rent strategy

The council is to launch a consultation with tenants and housing applicants on a new Rent Setting Strategy that will inform council housing rents from April 2026 to April 2029

Impact

Future rent charges for council houses will have an impact on the continuing investment in the council’s existing housing and also determine the level of any continuing new building programme commitment.

Rent Options

The council will present a range of rent increase options each linked to different levels of investment in housing and energy efficiency upgrades.

Launching soon

The consultation will take place over Winter, inviting feedback from all current tenants and also applicants on the council’s waiting list.

Investment

The proposed rent strategy follows the conclusion of the current Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) plan and is designed to support:

• Potential expansion of the council’s new build programme, which currently includes 643 new homes planned between 2026/27 and 2030/31.
• Continued compliance with the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2).
• Ongoing maintenance of existing homes in line with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS).

Demand

As of March 2025, Midlothian Council owns 7,677 homes. The council has carried out a new housing build programme since 2006 and continues to invest in housing but demand remains high, with 6,360 households currently on the waiting list.

Supply

In order to address housing need, the supply of affordable housing across all tenures needs to increase whilst investment is also made to existing houses to continue to meet with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and compliance with the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH).

Transparency

The council will ensure the consultation reflects the principles of the Scottish Social Housing Charter, including transparency, affordability, and meaningful engagement with tenants.

Consultation

The consultation will be primarily online but paper copies will be available on request. Council officers will also schedule a number of rent consultation drop-in sessions to enable face to face discussions. It will include a clear and accessible guide to the rent options, along with an online survey. Paper copies and drop-in sessions will be available to ensure broad participation and informed feedback.

Shaping services

Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Stuart McKenzie said:

“This consultation is a vital opportunity for tenants and applicants to shape the future of council housing in Midlothian. We are committed to ensuring rents remain fair and affordable while continuing to invest in quality homes and services.”

Results

The findings of the consultation will inform a final report with recommendations to be presented to council in February 2026.