No home left behind: funding a just transition to clean heat in Scotland

A new research report from SFHA, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Oxfam has been published, focusing on how the transition to clean heating and improved energy efficiency could be funded in Scotland.

The report calls for action to ensure that the transition to clean heating - currently under discussion as part of the Heat in Buildings and Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) consultations - supports low income and vulnerable households.

While the clean heat transition will contribute to net zero objectives, this research shows that there is a risk that existing inequalities may be exacerbated if the transition is not adequately supported. On social housing, the report highlights that additional costs could have an impact on tenant rents.

A clear recommendation is made for Scottish Government to provide clarity to RSLs on future funding for energy efficiency and clean heat, so that retrofit programmes can be planned and expanded. Crucially, the report also calls for funding to reflect what is being asked of social housing, particularly where required standards are higher than those required of other tenures. 
As a minimum, the report states that the funding package for social housing retrofit should not fall below the budget the Scottish Government would need if social tenants were supported under programmes offered to owner occupiers and private renters.
Sally Thomas, Chief Executive at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said:

“Social homes are already the most energy-efficient of any in Scotland, with housing associations leading the way in the transition to a cleaner, greener future.

“Housing associations are fully committed to reducing carbon emissions and playing a leading role in helping Scotland meet its net-zero commitments. However, that transition must be a fair one, not where tenants pay the price.

"That’s why, as this important report shows, the Scottish Government must commit to a long-term funding plan that will support housing associations in meeting the costs of delivering clean, green affordable homes.”

The report has been shared with Ministers and MSPs to help inform decision making around the Heat in Buildings Bill and the SHNZS. SFHA will continue to call for support from Scottish Government for RSLs so that no home - and no tenant - is left behind.

The full report can be found here.