Almost £93m will be spent on new affordable council housing in addition to almost £60m on the modernisation of existing properties.

New homes are expected to be completed at Haddington and Dunbar during 2018/19 with further developments planned for Prestonpans, Cockenzie, Aberlady, Gullane, Ormiston, Musselburgh and Haddington.

The purchase of some homes for sale on the open market will also continue.

Meanwhile, there will be a rolling programme of improvements to existing council houses. This includes refurbishments of bathrooms, kitchens and roofing and the installation of energy efficiency measures – in an effort to help reduce fuel poverty.

Jim Goodfellow, cabinet spokesperson for housing, said: “I’m very proud of the council’s record on housing. In the last five years, we have delivered 370 new council houses and increased expenditure on modernisation.

“With East Lothian being a fantastic place to live, it’s vital that we build on this track record and continue to invest in housing to meet the demands of our communities.

“East Lothian Council tenants already benefit from one of the lowest average weekly rents in Scotland.

“I’m delighted that, in the next year, a number of new council homes are expected to be completed – providing high-quality accommodation for families and individuals. This is part of a significant £93m investment in new council housing over the next five years, which will see the construction of homes throughout the county.

“With further developments planned, this is excellent news for those seeking a council house and also for the economy, as it will require the involvement of firms including the construction industry.

“At the same time, we are committed to improving our existing housing stock, and will be investing almost £60m in the modernisation of council homes throughout the county. This includes an increased focus on energy efficiency measures – helping to make tenants’ homes warmer and cheaper to heat, helping to reduce fuel poverty.”