40 Years of Housing Scotland

40 years of

40 Years of Housing Scotland

housing Scotland

Scotland’s only monthly housing magazine supplement - www.sfha.co.uk

Care and Repair Scotland congratulates our colleagues at SFHA for reaching their 40th Anniversary. Thank you for supporting Care and Repair services nationally and also locally through your members.

Care and Repair Scotland is the national coordinating body for Care and Repair services in Scotland.

Our company objective is to ensure that the Care and Repair movement in Scotland is sustainable for the future and will be able to continue and develop its role in helping older and disabled home owners remain in their own homes, in safety and comfort, for as long as possible.

Contact us at: 135 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 2JA Tele: 0141 221 9879 Email: enquiries@careandrepairscotland.co.uk Web: www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk Scottish Charity Number: SC031022

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

Forty years of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Before 1975 The origins of housing associations can be traced back to the 12th century when the first almshouses were provided.

The Housing Corporation is established by the 1964 Housing Act to channel government support to low cost ownership, including shared ownership.

The Housing Act 1974 introduces Housing Association Grant (HAG) and extends the role of the Housing Corporation to be the funder and regulator of all housing associations. The Act boosted the potential of the sector to meet housing need.

Local housing associations first emerge in Glasgow in the 1970s. Initially, these associations work to renovate older tenements in their own communities. They are influenced by communitarian ideas, evident in the prevalence of local people on their management committees. This period marks the genesis of tenemental regeneration by associations, as evidenced in the recent book Annie’s Loo by Raymond Young.

We have created this anniversary supplement using SFHA archive documents over the past 40 years

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

The SFHA would like to thank all of our members for sending in pictures and other memorabilia, some of which we’ve been able to include here. Not all items have been used but more will be over the course of the Federation’s anniversary year.

3

Mactaggart & Mickel wish to congratulate SFHA on its 40th Anniversary

King’s Park, Under Construction 1925

Lochrin, Edinburgh affordable housing – delivered in 2010 for Dunedin Canmore Housing Association

The Kh’ house type, Hillpark, Edinburgh 1955

Greenan retail (Co-op) was delivered by Contracts and Commercial Property divisions in 2012

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village – delivered by Contracts

Homes for the Future, Glasgow, 1999

Greenan, Ayr affordable housing – delivered in September 2013 for West of Scotland Housing Association

Thornybank Green, Dalkeith affordable housing – delivered in October 2014 for Places for People

90 years of success From 1925 Mactaggart & Mickel has been building an excellent reputation for quality craftsmanship, reliability and outstanding customer service.

We have selected Cancer Research UK as our charity partner this year.

www.macmic.co.uk

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

1975 Having originally started as ‘the Scottish Committee’, a sub-committee of the National Housing Federation (formed in 1940), in November 1975, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) becomes a separate organisation, with Russell Milne as its first Chair.

1975 also sees the first substantial programme for Scottish housing associations delivered via the Housing Corporation and funded by government. Fair Rents are set independently.

1976 HAG subsidises development costs by more than 90% in some areas of Scotland.

1978 The Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum is established within SFHA by associations in the Glasgow area.

1979 Conservatives, led by Margaret Thatcher, win the General Election.

George Younger is appointed Secretary of State for Scotland.

SFHA appoints its first Director, Jim Sillars.

1980 Conservatives launch the Right to Buy for public tenants through the Tenants' Rights etc.

Scotland Act. SFHA takes a position against the policy.

The Housing Corporation declares a moratorium on new loan approvals for one year.

1981 Shared ownership is introduced by the Housing Corporation at 25% (rather than 50%).

Average weekly housing association rent is £9.38.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

5

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

1982 Housing Benefit is introduced under the Social Security and Housing Benefit Act 1982 to replace Rent Rebates and Supplementary Benefits.

1983 One half of all Scots rent homes from public landlords, less than before 1980 and falling due to the Right to Buy. SFHA reports that the introduction of Housing Benefit “probably cost housing associations in Scotland more than £160,000 in additional rent arrears and acute distress for thousands of tenants, particularly the elderly”.

1984 In response to government cuts, the SFHA Campaign Committee organises a ‘Campaign for Resources’. During a lobby outside the Scottish Office in Edinburgh, over 200 tenants of housing associations, from all over Scotland, protest against government cuts to the housing association expenditure programme for 1984/85.

1985 SFHA unsuccessfully lobbies to have housing associations exempt from the Right to Buy. Housing association completions funded by the Housing Corporation fall by 21% from 5,149 in 1983/84 to 4,056 in 84/85. SFHA warns that, without proper investment, they will continue to fall.

Inspired by the success of the community based associations in former private housing in inner city Glasgow, and under the banner of ‘community ownership’, the mid-1980s see a tenant-led initiative for the transfer of local authority stock in peripheral estates in Glasgow to associations and co-operatives. The success of these community ownership neighbourhood transfers starts to roll-out across Scotland.

1986 HRH the Duke of Rothesay agrees to be SFHA patron.

6

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

1987 The Conservatives win a third term under Margaret Thatcher. They cut susbisdy to council housing, increase the discounts available for the Right to Buy and introduce Tenants’ Choice for tenants in England to transfer the ownership of their landlord to non-public bodies, starting a move towards transfer by the landlords.

The Rural and Islands Housing Associations Forum (RIHAF) is formed as SFHA’s rural forum.

1988 Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 establishes Scottish Homes to replace the Housing Corporation in Scotland and Scottish Special Housing Association (SSHA). All former SSHA stock comes under Scottish Homes, with an expectation that it will be transferred following tenant ballot – usually to newly created housing associations. The Act also introduces Tenants' Choice, giving all tenants the individual right to transfer the ownership of their home.

The Act also introduces a new financial regime for the housing association movement - increasing private finance to top up capital subsidy (HAG) together with a changed formula for calculating subsidy and associations responsible for rent-setting.

The Act establishes assured tenancies and assured rents.

1989 At height of housing boom, Right to Buy purchases from councils peak at just under 40,000 in one year (later falling as the housing market crashes in early ‘90s).

Increasing stock of privately owned housing reduces role of council housing.

From 1989 until 1996, Scottish Homes invests £469 million, building 14,500 homes in rural areas.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

7

The Complete Housing Provider Improving Scotland’s Homes At Lovell we build, refurbish, regenerate and maintain homes and communities across Scotland.

Whatever we are doing- whether it’s building 100 new properties, installing a new bathroom or selling homes – we settle for nothing less than excellence in the service we offer.

But it is our people that really make the difference. We are committed to leaving a positive legacy wherever we work, and each and every one of us wants to play their part in changing people’s lives for the better.

Lovell would like to congratulate the SFHA on their 40th Anniversary

sfha ad_apr 15 ZW.indd 1

17/04/2015 10:53:30

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

1990 Assured tenancies gradually replace secure tenancies under the ‘Fair Rents’ regime. This is the first time that associations are responsible for setting their own rents, so they have to develop rent policies and rent structures as well as ensure that rents are affordable, comparable and cover operating costs.

Between 1990 and 2005, Scottish Homes transfers about 75,000 units, previously owned by the Scottish Special Housing Association, to housing associations and co-operatives.

David Orr is appointed Director of SFHA. From 1990, Scottish Homes takes on explicit consideration of social housing supply shortages in rural Scotland through its rural policy.

1992 A celebration is held to mark the 50,000th house renovated or built by housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland with the assistance of the Housing Corporation and its successor, Scottish Homes.

SFHA calls on the Scottish Office to provide Scottish Homes with additional resources for housing association and co-operative involvement in community care.

SFHA publishes a good practice manual for voluntary stock transfers.

1993 The SFHA publishes a 10-year housing strategy. It sets out objectives and principles and discusses five key areas: affordable housing for rent, alternative tenures, stock transfers, community care and non-housing work.

1994 Scottish Homes announces a record planned investment of £382 million a year to improve the variety and quality of Scotland’s housing.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

9

perfect integration

Your Partner for an Integrated Human Capital Management Solution • Recruitment OnBoarding

• Talent Management

• Performance Reviews

• Payroll

• Learning & Development

• Time & Attendance

• Ad Hoc Reporting

• Dashboard Metrics

Successful HR and Payroll implementations since 1983. We provide a choice of software modules and a payroll outsourcing service.

0845 370 3210

sales@frontiersoftware.com

www.frontiersoftware.com

Offices in Australia, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and UK

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

1995 The 1995/96 Scottish Homes Programme plans investment that year of over £350 million.

Scottish Homes introduces a Shared Equity Pilot programme.

Berwickshire Housing Association is the first housing association to be established as a result of a council transferring its entire housing stock to an association.

1996 The term ‘Registered Social Landlord’ (RSL) is introduced in England by the Housing Act 1996.

SFHA celebrates its 21st anniversary.

The SFHA launches ‘Build a New Home Campaign’ which calls for greater investment in housing as a way of reducing unemployment and the Income Support and Housing Benefit bills.

1997 The General Election returns New Labour to power, and one of the first acts of the government is to hold a referendum on the devolution white paper based on the conclusions of the constitutional convention.

Housing is considered one of the five pillars of devolution, and the SFHA throws itself behind the case for the Parliament, believing it will give Scottish housing a higher political profile.

SFHA recommends a ‘Yes, Yes’ position to members.

On 11 September 1997, three quarters of the Scottish electorate vote for devolution of powers to Scotland

1998 Following the referendum, the Parliament is reconvened under the Scotland Act 1998 which sets out its powers as a devolved legislature.

SFHA says that it “looks forward to a new era of influencing decision-making. After years of remote Westminster decision democracy, with Parliament Committees difficult or impossible to attend, and procedures cumbersome and impenetrable, SFHA will expect Scotland’s Parliament to be much more accessible in every respect”.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

11

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

1999 Formal devolution reconvenes the Scottish Parliament for the first time in 292 years, and the first meeting of the new Parliament takes place on 12 May 1999. The first government, or Scottish Executive as it was known until 2007, is a coalition between Labour and the Liberal Democrats. The first First Minister is Donald Dewar, Leader of Scottish Labour. The first session of the Parliament establishes committees, including Social Inclusion, Housing and the Voluntary Sector (later, the Communities Committee).

The newly established Scottish Executive publishes the Investing in Modernisation – An Agenda for Scotland’s Housing - A Green Paper. This is a wide-ranging consultation paper intended to focus the terms of the debate on long-term housing strategy. On publishing the summary of responses to the Green Paper, the Minister for Communities announces the Scottish Executive’s intention to bring forward housing legislation. A Housing Bill follows, setting a clear vision of the objectives for Scottish housing policy.

Four New Housing Partnerships are introduced by the Scottish Executive. These lead to the creation of a new type of local authority sponsored housing association.

The Scottish Executive unveils plans to transfer a quarter of all rented housing from councils to RSLs through stock transfer.

2000 The new millennium sees political pressure for cuts, efficiencies, mergers and sharing of services. The September 2000 issue of the SFHA's magazine, Federation Focus, talks of “merger mania”.

Rural Partnership for Change (RPfC), a Scottish Executive initiative, is established to identify ways to improve the delivery of affordable housing in rural Scotland. Initially designed to run for three years, it is subsequently extended to 2005. RPfC includes a pilot version of a scheme to acquire sites for affordable housing where the sites are subsequently sold on and the income reinvested in further site purchases.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

13

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

2001 The number of homes provided by housing associations is reported as having increased by 70% in five years, growing from 84,000 to 144,000, largely through transfer but also through new build.

The first housing legislation of the new Parliament is the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. It introduces several measures, including a new tenancy – the Scottish secure tenancy (SST), replacing the assured tenancy. The Act also introduces radical and progressive legislation on homelessness and its concept – section 5 referrals by councils to associations. Anyone over the age of 16 is given the right to register on a housing list held by a local authority or RSL. The Modernised Right to Buy is introduced with reduced discount and the concept of 'Pressured Area Status' restricting rights where supply is tight.

Communities Scotland takes over from Scottish Homes and is established as an agency within the Scottish Executive. Its three divisions focussed on regeneration; regulation and inspection; and investment and performance.

2002 Ballots are organised regarding stock transfer in the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and Glasgow. In Glasgow, there is a commitment to second stage transfer after the ballot.

2003 After delays, highlighted by SFHA as “unnecessary bureaucracy”, transfers take place in Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders and Glasgow.

The Scottish Parliament passes further radical legislation in the Homelessness etc.

(Scotland) Act 2003, with the aim to ensure that by 2012, everyone assessed as being unintentionally homeless would be entitled to permanent accommodation.

Blue Triangle exists to support, accommodate and assist vulnerable people to achieve better lives

14

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

2004 SFHA reviews its governance and starts to create an elected Board of 12 from four constituencies to replace the Council of 24 from six constituencies.

The Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) is introduced in February 2004 by the Scottish Executive as its principal measure of housing quality in Scotland. The purpose of introducing a minimum housing standard in Scotland is to provide a ‘floor’ below which a property should not fall. The Executive sets a policy target for social landlords to bring their stock up to every element of the standard (where applicable) by April 2015.

There is frustration in Glasgow at the slow pace of the second stage stock transfer.

2005 SFHA celebrates its 30th anniversary.

SFHA Chief Executive David Orr leaves to head up the National Housing Federation in London. He is replaced by Jacqui Watt.

The Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) is established. It is owned by The Highland Council, five RSLs and two trusts. The HHA’s objective is to ensure an increased supply of housing and, in particular, affordable housing in the Highlands by: operating a revolving land bank fund to facilitate the construction of affordable housing, carrying out infrastructure works to enable sites to become available as feasible building sites and developing projects to provide housing (for sale and rent) at market or near market levels.

2006 The SFHA reports that some of its members are failing to meet the SHQS due to a lack of funding, and one member warns that “unless the Executive is willing to put public money into this, then we will not meet the standard in all our homes by 2015”.

March 2006, SFHA warns that cuts to housing support services are entering crisis levels. It states “the cuts will harm the Executive’s agendas on homelessness, older people, learning disability and mental health”.

SFHA centralises its offices in Glasgow.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

15

Congratulations on your

40th ANNIVERSARY

From everyone at the Community Housing Cymru Group, your sister body in Wales

Llongyfarchiadau! @CHCymru

www.chcymru.org.uk

Scottish Property Awards 2015

City Regeneration Project of the Year Winner: Duke Street/High Street anderson bell + christie

High Performance Timber Windows and Doors Janex would like to wish SFHA a Happy 40th Anniversary; it has been a pleasure to work with you over the past 20 years.

Unit 8 Callendar Business Park, Falkirk FK1 1XR T: 01324 673250 E: info@janex.co.uk

www.janex.co.uk

We will be at the SFHA Annual Conference in Dunblane on the 3-4 June. Why not visit us at stand 11 for an informal chat about our high quality windows and doors.

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

2007 The incoming SNP minority government changes its name to Scottish Government and releases a discussion paper, inherited from the previous administration, on the future direction of housing policy in Scotland - “Firm Foundations: The Future of Housing in Scotland”. It proposes “at least 35,000 units per annum by the middle of next decade” and acknowledges the annual output at that time of 25,000 units as “significantly less than required to moderate growth in house prices”.

The Calman Commission is established under an opposition motion supported by Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. It sets out to "review the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 in the light of experience and to recommend any changes to the present constitutional arrangements that would enable the Scottish Parliament to serve the people of Scotland better, improve the financial accountability of the Scottish Parliament and continue to secure the position of Scotland within the United Kingdom".

The Commission starts to meet in the Scottish Parliament and is accountable to both the Scottish Parliament and the UK Government. SFHA puts forward a case for devolving a package of social security measures, including Housing Benefit.

2008 Scotland’s economy enters recession. Scottish Government capital investment is cut by 29% between 2008/09 and 2011/12. This is a turbulent and divisive time for many in the sector.

SFHA campaigns for a 1% increase from Westminster Government to Scottish Government, which, if spent on social housing, would mean a 100% increase in the country’s affordable housing provision.

Communities Scotland is disbanded, with investment and regeneration functions being absorbed into the Scottish Government. An interim agency called the Scottish Housing Regulator takes over the previous Communities Scotland regulation functions and is accountable to Ministers.

SFHA says that slowdown of the mortgage market in Scotland reinforces need for a strong affordable housing sector.

SFHA welcomes the start of GHA’s second stage stock transfer to local associations in Glasgow.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

17

City Building has secured a prestigious European award for its commitment to deliver excellence throughout its organisation.

Quality Scotland, national partner of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) an organisation for driving performance improvement, presented its Committed to Excellence award to City Building. The award is presented once a year in recognition of companies that strive to reach sustainable excellence in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Congratulations SFHA on your 40th Anniversary For further information on our Products please visit catalogue@citybuildingglasgow.co.uk For information on our services please contact Lesley Quinn Head of Client Management and Communications on 0141 287 2287, email lesley.quinn @cbglasgow.co.uk or visit www.citybuildingglasgow.co.uk

apexhotels.co.uk

EVENTS. MEETINGS. NETWORKING. DISCOVER DUNDEE WITH APEX HOTELS

Make Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa your choice for events, meetings and networking in Dundee’s city centre.

• • • • • •

11 unique meeting spaces Holding upto 375 delegates Free high-speed Wi-Fi Large complimentary car park Excellent transport links on our doorstep Online booking facility

Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa 1 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee DD1 3JP T 0845 365 0004

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

2009 Having met monthly at the Scottish Parliament since 2007, the Calman Commission issues its final report recommending increased capital borrowing powers, improved inter-governmental machinery and power over various aspects of legislation - but no change to social security.

Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 creates the statutory framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland by setting an 80% reduction target for 2050 and 42% target in the interim for 2020.

The SFHA, Homes for Scotland, COSLA, Shelter and the Council of Mortgage Lenders work together with the Scottish Government on the Housing Supply Task Force.

SFHA welcomes measures in the Task Force report, including four priorities for national and local government, house-builders and others: alternative methods of funding infrastructure; speedy implementation of planning system reforms; assistance to the house-building industry to return to full capacity once markets improve; and better use of public sector land for housing. However, SFHA warns that planning approvals don’t necessarily translate into homes being built.

Subsidy fluctuations during the year bring an initial 6% increase in HAG (from £4,000 to 5,000 per unit), but, just months later, the HAG benchmark is reduced by £1,000 per unit.

With projects over the benchmark having to undergo more scrutiny, SFHA warns that the development role of associations is in jeopardy. By the end of the year, the Scottish Government cuts the benchmark for HAG from £73,000 per house to £68,500.

Scottish Government releases statistics showing an eight-year high in completions of affordable homes and commits to affordable housing as the centrepiece of economic recovery, with funding for over 8,000 new homes.

A Shelter Scotland report shows Scotland is building fewer affordable homes a year than it did 50 years previously.

Scottish Government reports a 71% increase in affordable homes funded by the Affordable Housing Investment Programme between July and September 2009 compared to same period in 2008. SFHA welcomes the increase but warns that there is “still a chronic housing shortage and Scotland is not out of recession yet”.

Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs Committee calls for more rural homes, a better planning system and further restrictions on Right to Buy. The Housing Bill proposes changes to the regulatory framework, including a Charter for Tenants and a new body called the Scottish Housing Regulator which will be accountable to the Parliament.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

19

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

2010 Scottish Government starts the year by cutting HAG further from £68,000 per unit to £65,000 but increases rural grant to £70,000.

In January 2010, Scottish Government announces plans to end the Right to Buy for tenants of new homes and the SFHA welcomes this.

As private market supply continues to struggle, SFHA says that housing associations and cooperatives have propped up the rate of home building and jobs in construction.

Jacqui Watt leaves SFHA and is replaced as Chief Executive by Mary Taylor.

After the General Election, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats form a coalition government with David Cameron, Leader of the Conservatives, as Prime Minister. The coalition focuses on deficit reduction and cuts capital investment. It plans to address Housing Benefit spending. SFHA launches a campaign against the UK Government’s proposed changes to Housing Benefit.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 establishes the new Scottish Housing Regulator, a new regulatory regime and the Scottish Social Housing Charter. Housing associations and cooperatives are all defined in the Act as Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).

2011 Scottish Government releases Homes Fit for the 21st Century. SFHA welcomes the overall vision, while emphasising the need for continued investment.

Scottish Government announces competitive funding programmes for councils, with increased subsidy of £30,000 per unit. For housing associations, the HAG benchmark is cut to £40,000 per unit. Meanwhile, a small innovation fund is established for bids for new ideas. Funding for shared equity is doubled and SFHA comments that this won’t address the shortage of high quality accommodation for rent and warns of risks to future supply.

The Christie Commission places housing associations and co-operatives at the heart of a new preventative approach to delivering public spending.

A majority of SNP MSPs are returned to the Scottish Parliament. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chairs the Sustainable Housing Strategy Group with SFHA participation. The group sets out to devise a new energy efficiency standard for housing to replace the SHQS. The UK Government brings in the Welfare Reform Bill which proposes several changes, including a simplified system of benefits - welcomed in principle by SFHA. But SFHA heavily criticises many of the proposals, including the removal of Housing Benefit payment to landlords and a proposed penalty to people deemed to be ‘under occupying’, what comes to be known as the ‘bedroom tax’. Following extensive lobbying by SFHA and others, the House of Lords votes against the penalty, but it is overruled by the House of Commons.

20

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

2012 The Welfare Reform Act introduces Universal Credit, with the ‘bedroom tax’, which is due for implementation from April 2013, set to cut between 14% and 25% of rent support to tenants deemed to be under-occupying. SFHA releases Impact of Welfare Reform on Housing Associations and Co-operatives in Scotland which shows tenants could lose hundreds of millions of pounds as a result of welfare reform. Using official statistics, SFHA publishes research (Housing Benefit: Busting the Myths) showing that the Housing Benefit Bill is rising due to increased subsidy for tenants paying increasingly expensive private rents due to the shortage of social rented housing.

Dunedin Canmore Housing Association (DCHA) opts to take part in the DWP project to pilot direct payment of Housing Benefit to tenants. SFHA supports DCHA as the only Scottish social landlord to do so and maintains dialogue with officials and Ministers in DWP. The governments agree that a referendum on Scottish independence will be held in 2014. The SFHA opts to remain neutral.

Scottish Government reports that “Scotland has achieved the historic 2012 homelessness commitment, that all of those assessed as unintentionally homeless by local authorities will be entitled to settled accommodation as a legal right”. The ‘priority/non-priority’ distinction from the homelessness test is removed on 31 December 2012.

2013 The ‘bedroom tax’ comes into effect in April across Great Britain, and in November, Universal Credit goes live in Inverness. Research by SFHA (Bedroom Tax: Early Impacts) highlights risks to housing association rental income due to the impending welfare cuts for tenants, threatening services and the ability to build much needed homes.

SFHA launches the ‘Keeping Our Homes Affordable’ campaign, calling on the Scottish Government to return subsidy to sustainable levels, taking the case to party conferences and through the Short Life Working Group on Affordability, Financial Capacity and Subsidy Rates.

The Scottish Government accepts the recommendations by the group and partially reinstates unit grant levels and investment in new social homes in Scotland. Additional social subsidy of £16,000 per unit is agreed, taking grant levels from an average of £40,000 to £56,000 for housing associations.

Scottish Government announces plans to end the Right to Buy for social tenants in Scotland, with effect from 1 August 2016. In welcoming the announcement, SFHA argues that the Right to Buy has “no place in 21st century Scotland. Half a million social rented homes have been lost in the 30 years of this policy in Scotland, very often the better stock in the more popular areas”.

SFHA welcomes Scottish Parliament agreement to fund mitigation for the 'bedroom tax' through increased Discretionary Housing Payments.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

21

Supporting Scotland’s Housing Sector

Wylie & Bisset LLP provide a comprehensive range of specialist services to Scotland’s housing sector.

Our Services • • • • • •

Internal Audit External Audit Training Due Diligence Tax VAT

• • • • •

Corporate Governance Risk Management Fraud Investigations Management Consultancy Accountancy Support

For further information on any of our services or to arrange an initial chat, contact one of our team of specialists who include: Ross McLauchlan Partner ross.mclauchlan@wyliebisset.com

Associate Member

Scott Gillon Associate scott.gillon@wyliebisset.com Graham Gillespie Associate graham.gillespie@wyliebisset.com

Main Office:168 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4TP Tel: 0141 566 7000

Congratulating the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations on its 40th Year.

With a complete suite of integrated asset management tools available, backed up by extensive industry best practice knowledge our clients have comfort that they are using the best software around, and have access to the best advice for all their asset management related business needs.

Visit us at stand 17 at the SFHA Annual Conference in Dunblane to find out how we have been supporting professional asset management in Scotland.

Innovative Asset Management Solutions

For more information visit www.aspreysolutions.co.uk

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

www.sfha.co.uk

2014 SFHA research, The Real Cost of the Bedroom Tax, points to the evidence of the effects of the ‘bedroom tax’ and sanctions, with disproportionately harsh sanctions related to job-seeking putting tenants at risk of homelessness.

The Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH) is introduced by the Scottish Government, with the aim of further improving the energy efficiency of social housing. All social landlords are expected to achieve the new standard by 2020. The SFHA calls for European Union funds to be allocated to social landlords in order for them to meet the standards.

Following a majority of the electorate in Scotland voting to stay in the UK, the Prime Minister announces a Commission, led by Lord Smith, to consider further devolution of powers. SFHA takes a significant and active part in lobbying for further powers related to working age benefits (including support for housing costs) and energy matters.

Commenting on the Smith Commission report, the SFHA states that “the recommendations of the Smith Commission do not go as far as we – and many other civic organisations – had called for in our submissions; but it represents some progress on housing, on energy and our urgent concerns about the impact of Universal Credit on tenants and social landlords”.

SFHA joins the Scotland Office Stakeholder Group to support the preparation of draft legislation following the publication of the Smith Commission’s report.

2015 January 2015, with DWP announcing a roll-out timetable for Universal Credit due to start weeks later, SFHA leads a call across civic Scotland for roll-out to be suspended pending clarity around further powers after the election. After the UK Government reveals the Command Paper, Scotland in the United Kingdom: An Enduring Settlement on additional powers, SFHA repeats its call to halt the roll-out of Universal Credit until further powers are devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

SFHA General Election manifesto calls for genuinely affordable warm green homes for all in Scotland, sufficient fiscal levers to allow the Scottish Parliament to deliver a well-functioning housing system and the additional powers to be delivered in full.

The SFHA hails the achievement of Scottish housing associations and co-operatives investing in their homes in order to meet the SHQS. The SHQS set standards around repair, modern facilities (kitchens and bathrooms) and energy efficiency.

The General Election sees the Conservative Party achieve a majority. Scotland is represented in Westminster by 56 SNP MPs and one Labour and one Liberal Democrat MP. SFHA adopts new Articles following a governance working group and various consultations with members.

SFHA celebrates its 40th anniversary.

40 YEARS of HOUSING SCOTLAND

23

one stop shop Campbell Tickell is a multi-disciplinary management consultancy focusing on housing, regeneration and social care. We have a six year track record working with housing organisations across Scotland. Our team of committed consultants bring extensive experience of working with housing associations, councils and care providers Governance and corporate strategy Board and executive recruitment Financial and business planning Interim/project management Strategic asset management Performance improvement Growth and development Grouping and mergers Risk and stress testing Human resources

inspiring people – delivering change info@campbelltickell.com | @campbelltickel1 | Tel: 020 8830 6777 | www.campbelltickell.com