East Lothian Council has announced over £112 million will be used to modernise housing across the region.

The funding will also be invested to increase affordable housing over the next five years.

In addition, council house rents will rise 5% to allow investment in the regions existing stock and new build housing without compromising key services such as repairs and housing management.

Councillor Norman Hampshire said: "East Lothian Council aims to continue improving its housing stock and in the coming years there will be an increased focus on improving energy efficiency.

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"This will help make tenants' homes warmer and cheaper to heat which will also help reduce fuel poverty. We have still maintained an average rent level well below the national average, we are now under pressure to not only maintain our existing stock but to increase the number of properties available for rent.

"The Council is working alongside a number of partners, including housing developers, to deliver more affordable housing in East Lothian.

"The investment programme announced today will be part-funded by this year's rent increase of 5% which will bring in an additional £0.96 million in 2016/17."

(LM/JP)