House rent of £305 a week under new deal
EFFORTS to increase the supply of low-cost housing in East Lothian have led to a row over the definition of what is 'affordable'.
East Lothian Council is to take part in a new national initiative to increase the supply of homes available for mid-market rent in East Lothian.
At a meeting held in Haddington on Tuesday, councillors agreed to participate in a new "Affordable Housing" initiative from the Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Government.
The homes will be let at a 'mid-market' rent level for between five and 10 years.
Interest
However, with a four bedroom property costing 233 per week, the definition of mid-market has been called into question.
Opposition leader Willie Innes (Lab) said: "To call these houses mid-market rent could lead to some interest from the Trade Descriptions.
"People who can afford to pay 233 per week in rent are not people who have a huge housing need."
Innovate
Cabinet member for housing Councillor Stuart Currie told the meeting: "The National Housing Trust is a new option available to us and I'm pleased that we're able to introduce an innovate model of funding that presents no financial risk to local residents."
The weekly cost of renting a one-bedroom property under the new NHT initiative will be 92. Two-bedroom homes will cost 115 per week, while three-bedroom properties will be charged at 162.
Four-bedroom homes will cost 233 per week, while rent on a five-bedroom house will be priced at 305 per week.
Full report in East Lothian News, August 27, 2010
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