Scottish Housing Regulator launches ‘national discussion’ on the future of social housing regulation in Scotland

Discussion paper invites tenants, landlords and others with an interest in its work to share their feedback and views by 11 August 2023

The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) has launched a 'national discussion' on the future of social housing regulation in Scotland.

Introducing a discussion paper, the SHR says –

'We introduced the current Regulatory Framework in April 2019. At that time we committed to review it after five years. This discussion paper is the first step in that review. It sets out our emerging thinking on potential changes to our regulation of social landlords in Scotland.'

Seeking views from tenants, landlords and others with an interest in social housing regulation, the paper outlines initial thinking about future priorities. In particular, these focus on landlord activities – translating lessons learned from the Grenfell Tower Disaster, and more recently the coroners’ report into the death of Awaab Ishak – including priorities in relation to –

• listening and responding effectively to tenants and service users;
• providing good quality and safe homes;
• keeping homes as affordable as possible; and
• doing all they can to reduce the number of people who are experiencing homelessness.

The SHR adds that feedback on the paper – that should be submitted by 11 August 2023 – will be used to develop its detailed proposals for a new Framework, which will be consulted on later this year.

The Regulator's Chair George Walker said –

'We are committed to reviewing the Regulatory Framework every five years. We believe the current Regulatory Framework has worked well during the last five years, and that it broadly remains relevant and appropriate. We also recognise a clear appetite from many involved in social housing for a period of stability and continuity. So, we will aim to maintain our current approach, but with some change to reflect the learning from the last five years and to ensure the Framework remains up to date. The discussion paper sets out initial suggestions on what we think we might need or want to change. We are keen to hear the views of all our stakeholders on our early ideas.'

For more information, see Regulator launches national discussion on the future of social housing regulation in Scotland.