Among the changes is the reintroduction of the choice of one- or two-bedroom housing for single people and couples.

The changes will also see the council crack down on anti-social applicants, as well as anti-social tenants, who will be suspended from the list until their behaviour improves.

Furthermore, applicants who are already homeowners, but do not have a specific need for council housing, will be also be suspended. However, more priority is to be given to those living in Midlothian.

The changes are among a series of recommendations made to council as part of a regular review of Midlothian’s Housing Allocation Policy.

The Housing Allocation Policy has had positive outcomes to applicants offered housing and is closely meeting the targets for Waiting List Groups. There has been a reduction in lets due to fewer new-build developments being completed in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

A spokesperson for the council said that the changes would have a positive impact across the board, adding: “Households have improved housing options across all tenures. Homeless households and those threatened with homelessness are in a position to access support and advice services, while all unintentionally homeless households will be able to access settled accommodation.”