By Carolyn Lochhead, SFHA Director of Public Affairs and Communications
As the Scottish Government returns after the summer recess, we have had our first sight of the historic co-operation deal between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens. This short blog sets out some of the key points for SFHA members: we will provide more detailed information and analysis as greater detail becomes available.
There is much to welcome in the SNP-Greens Co-operation agreement. However, there are still some areas where further clarification or consideration is required.
One of the announcements in the agreement was that the target of 100,000 affordable homes by 2032 would increase by 10,000. While we welcome this increase, the new Affordable Supply Programme must be paired with grant investment which allows it to be realised. We know that not only is the cost of building a home rising but there are also increasing delays in the supply chain. Meeting this target will only be possible if investment levels are regularly reviewed and increased where necessary.
Housing’s role in tackling climate change cannot be overestimated, but our sector can’t play its part without the support of the government, so the commitment to greener homes and buildings outlined in the agreement is welcome, particularly with Scottish Housing Day on 15 September focusing on the theme of climate change in the lead up to COP26 in November.
The agreement outlines a commitment to enabling local government and housing associations to provide whole-home retrofits, where needed, helping to upgrade the most inefficient and expensive to heat social homes to the highest possible standards. We’ll seek further detail on this.
Similarly, we look forward to learning more about the proposed further support for housing co-operatives, including potentially through LBTT relief, through funding and financing options.
We understand that there will shortly be a consultation on the upcoming Rented Sector Strategy. We welcome this opportunity, in particular the intention to develop a shared understanding of affordability, which will assist our members during rent-setting cycles.. We will also seek clarification as to whether or not the rent controls policy, which was included in the co-operation agreement, will affect our sector.
The agreement also proposes to enhance tenants’ rights, including through greater restrictions on evictions over winter. We share the objective of enabling people to keep their homes. The way to achieve this, in our view, is through increased financial support for people who are struggling to pay their rent, as well as further awareness raising of the help that is available, and we will make this argument in the weeks and months to come.
The agreement also sets out plans for immediate cash-back for home and building owners on measures to improve the efficiency of buildings and install zero emissions.
And there is an additional £200 million funding to meet green targets and accelerate energy efficiency upgrades and renewable heating deployment. We welcome this and look forward to the Scottish Government’s response to the recent ZEST report, which sets out the further steps required.
There is also an intention to improve support for people at risk of destitution due to No Recourse to Public Funds, including through delivery of the Ending Destitution Together strategy. Finally, the proposal includes plans to significantly increase in the level of the Scottish Child Payment: a move that SFHA called for in a recent joint letter to the First Minister.
It is early days for this new policy programme, but together with our members, we will work with the Scottish Government to make sure the voice of social housing is heard as these proposals are developed.
