June 2022
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This conference is bringing together stakeholders with policymakers to discuss the next steps for housing policy in Scotland.
It will be 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 be 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 include plans to improve housing standards, affordability and accessibility across Scotland, with a focus on meeting the needs of the communities.
The conference also takes 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 include:
- 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 & labour shortages
- communities - identifying & meeting needs ◦ tackling housing insecurity & 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 & 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 & direction for stakeholders
The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from The Scottish Government; the Scottish Rural Network; and the DLUHC.