Council approves Housing Strategy

Midlothian Council today (31 March) approved the Midlothian Local Housing Strategy (LHS), 2026/27 to 2030/31.

Five year plan

This strategy is a comprehensive plan setting out how the Council intends to meet housing needs, improve housing quality, and support sustainable communities over the next five years.

Strategic document

The LHS is the council’s single strategic document for housing in Midlothian, covering all tenures and aligning closely with development planning and investment priorities.

Vision

Its vision is that all households in Midlothian will be able to access affordable, good‑quality housing in sustainable communities.

Key issues

Developed in line with Scottish Government guidance, the strategy outlines the key housing issues facing the area and the outcomes the council aims to achieve.

Requirement

It also supports the ongoing requirement for all local authorities to review and report annually on progress in delivery.

Consultation

The strategy has been informed by significant community and stakeholder engagement carried out in two phases during 2025.

• Phase 1 (31 March - 9 May 2025) invited residents to complete an online survey or submit comments via email, text or phone.
• Phase 2 (1 September - 3 October 2025) provided further opportunities for residents to contribute through surveys, in‑person drop‑ins and virtual sessions.

Draft submitted  

Following national requirements, a draft LHS was submitted to the Scottish Government on 2 December 2025. Feedback from Government policy teams, the More Homes Division, and peer reviewer East Dunbartonshire Council has been incorporated into the final document.

Key Themes of the Strategy

The new strategy covers a range of topics including equalities, housing demand, homelessness, energy efficiency, climate change, specialist provision, independent living and health & social care.

Strategic Outcomes

By 2030/31, the strategy aims to deliver:

• Increased access to housing and new supply across all tenures
• Improved place making across Midlothian
• Better support and settled accommodation for homeless households
• Improved housing options for people with particular needs
• More energy‑efficient homes and fewer households at risk of fuel poverty
• Improved condition of housing across all tenures
• Stronger integration of housing with health and social care services

Thanking participants

Midlothian Director with responsibility for Housing Kevin Anderson said:

“This strategy sets out a clear and ambitious vision for the future of housing in Midlothian across all tenures. We know how important it is for people to have a secure, warm and affordable home, and this plan brings together our commitments to increase supply, improve quality and support some of our most vulnerable residents. The level of community input into the strategy has been invaluable, and we want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences and priorities.”

Document

The Local Housing Strategy 2026/27–2030/31 will now be shared on the council website