West Lothian council rent is increasing by 3.5% yearly until 2028, averaging £89.14 weekly next month.
This rise helps fund building and fixing homes. They plan on spending over £100 million in three years. One proposal wanted more focus on fixing empty homes; however, it was turned down by the council.
Weekly rent will rise by £3.01 next month. This changes the average from £86.13 to £89.14. Garage rents will also increase to £6.94 weekly. By 2028, rent will then be £95.49 weekly.
A councillor, Janet Campbell, questioned the tenant survey, arguing it offered limited options. The survey only asked about the 3.5% rent increase. The council got 725 survey responses, with 59% supporting the rent increase. Nobody from the housing register responded.
West Lothian’s average rent is a bit over the Scottish average, but under others. Neighboring East Lothian may raise rents even higher; they are thinking about a 6.5% increase.
The Labour group knows tenants face tough times. They acknowledged existing rent debts yet, they praised the 97% payment rate.
Another councillor wanted funds shifted to fix empty homes faster, as repairing each empty home costs around £6,150. They wanted to fix 26 more vacant properties in 2026. An independent councillor mentioned good progress already made on void homes. Last year, the council paused some repairs, which sped up fixing empty homes and allowed over 1,000 homes to be returned to use.
The council leader said housing rules made things harder because people no longer need a local tie to get a home. Anyone can now ask for a council home in West Lothian. George Paul said rent money improves homes, and he stresses the importance of good quality council housing.