June 2022
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This conference brought together stakeholders with policymakers to discuss the next steps for housing policy in Scotland.
It was an opportunity to discuss the priorities for a new Housing Bill as it is prepared for introduction to the Scottish Parliament.
We are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, as well as contributions from Callum Chomczuk, National Director, Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland; and Gordon MacRae, Assistant Director, Shelter Scotland.
With the Bill expected to include reforms affecting the rented sector following consultation on a new strategy, related areas for discussion included plans to improve housing standards, affordability and accessibility across Scotland, with a focus on meeting the needs of the communities.
The conference also took place in the context of a raft of policy initiatives affecting the future of housing in the areas of:
- tackling homelessness and housing inequality
- planning policy, house building, and land use
- green development and supporting net-zero ambitions
Areas for discussion included:
- standards, affordability and accessibility - next steps for improvement - assessing the introduction of a new Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
- collaboration - what will be needed to achieve improved engagement between key stakeholders in the housing system and wider public services as envisaged in the Housing to 2040 strategy
- building targets - the Government’s plans for 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 - ongoing concerns surrounding supply and labour shortages
- communities - identifying and meeting needs - tackling housing insecurity and homelessness - how to achieve the emphasis on prevention in the Ending Homelessness Together action plan
- net-zero ambitions - the Heat in Buildings Strategy - implications of proposals for standards for zero-emissions heating and energy efficiency between 2023-2025 - potential support required
- concerns - how issues raised within the housing sector might be addressed: the extent of rental market reform - provision of greater clarity and direction for stakeholders
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from The Scottish Government; the Scottish Rural Network; and the DLUHC.
