Tag: housing

More than one in four people have experienced housing insecurity in the past five years, new Better Society Index reveals

More than a quarter (27%) of people in the UK say they or someone close to them has experienced housing insecurity in the past five years, according to new research from Better Society Capital (BSC).

Among younger adults aged 18-34, this rises to 47%, highlighting the growing prevalence of housing instability across younger generations in the UK.

Housing insecurity includes experiences such as sofa surfing, the risk of eviction, or time spent in temporary accommodation. Together, the findings suggest that housing insecurity has touched the lives of more than 13.5 million people* across the UK in recent years.

Despite this widespread experience, public understanding of how homelessness is funded and addressed locally remains limited. On average, people believe that 28% of their council tax goes toward homelessness services, which is almost ten times higher than preliminary local authority returns suggest. Half of respondents (52%) say they do not know how much is spent in their area.

Over half of the public surveyed (56%) support the use of public-private partnerships to deliver housing and homelessness services, with just 8% opposed, and emphasise proof of value for money, transparency and local accountability as drivers that would increase their level of support.

Charities and social enterprises are regarded as the most trustworthy organisations to deliver housing and homelessness services effectively with 71% of respondents saying they would trust them to deliver, followed by housing associations (55%) and local authorities (47%).

Similarly, more than half of respondents (52%) said they would be willing to invest a portion of their own savings or pension in products tackling social issues such as homelessness, provided this had little impact on their financial returns.

10% of respondents overall said they would be willing to do so regardless of the impact on returns. With just 0.05% of total UK pension assets currently allocated to social impact investment – an approach to investing that seeks to tackle social issues generating positive social impact alongside financial returns – this suggests significant untapped potential.

These pressures are already being felt by councils. Local authorities responding to the inaugural Better Society Index reported a combined £1.65bn in expenditure on homelessness services in 2024/25, with a median year-on-year increase of 10.62% (mean of 18.57%).

Temporary accommodation continues to be a major driver of costs, with councils recording more than 3,000 people needing housing every night for the last year alone. At the same time, there is wide variation in both spending and demand between areas, with urban councils typically facing higher levels of pressure.

In more than half of local authorities, cost pressures from homelessness services outstrip entire planning and development budgets and are on par with expenditure on highways and transport services.

Table 1: Region by Region Breakdown of Spending Trends (2023/2024 – 2024/2025)

Across the UK, the spending trends across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales suggest an average spending increase 2023/2024 – 2024/2025 of 18.57 per cent.  However, regional disparities emerge, as set out in Table 1 below.

Region/NationRegional Average Year on Year Percentage Change in Spending (2023/2024 – 2024/2025)(positive % is an increase, negative % is a decrease) 
London43.67%
South East32.52%
Yorkshire and The Humber28.95%
East Midlands28.54%
North East17.50%
West Midlands15.45%
North West11.64%
East of England10.94%
Northern Ireland9.45%
South West5.78%
Scotland4.36%
Wales-2.53%

Drew Ritchie, Director of Better Society Capital comments: “This data freshly reminds us that homelessness is not a fringe issue. It is a major and pressing concern for both the public and the local councils working on their behalf.

“However, the analysis also highlights an appetite for innovative solutions. A majority of savers and pension holders would like to see their money make a difference.

“Public attitudes to private investment working alongside Government are positive and the public overwhelmingly trusts charities and social enterprises to deliver those services effectively.

“Social investment combines these key ingredients, building partnerships to deliver innovative finance solutions to tackle entrenched social issues and ensuring tax payer money goes further.

“After more than 10 years of investing into housing, we believe that social investment should be a bigger part of the solution to homelessness in the UK.

“The new Office for the Impact Economy in Cabinet Office is well-placed to coordinate efforts and use this insight into public attitudes to unlock impact finance solutions across government.

“We look forward to seeing how their partnership with social investors, philanthropists and responsible-driven business evolves to tackle joint problems.”

Cabinet Secretary for Housing visits Edinburgh housing development to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, visited Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development in Leith yesterday to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week and meet with current and former apprentices building their careers in the construction industry.

The visit highlighted the important role apprenticeships play in supporting Scotland’s housing sector, developing future talent and creating sustainable career opportunities. During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary toured the development, spoke with the site team and heard first-hand from apprentices about their experiences and career progression within the industry.

Tower Street at Merchant Quay, one of Barratt Homes East Scotland’s developments, features a range of one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments. Barratt Homes has numerous apprentices across a range of disciplines on their sites, with several Construction Managers, Site Managers and Senior Site Managers beginning their careers as apprentices, demonstrating the long-term career opportunities available within the business.  

Coordinated by Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the power of apprenticeships to create careers, build businesses, grow the workforce and get real returns for the economy.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, said: “Apprentices are a central part of growing our economy and I’ve enjoyed hearing directly from the young people who are starting out their careers in the building industry. 

“Through the Scottish Government’s Future Planners Programme we’re also increasing the number of planners and supporting future improvements in the planning system by supporting students to study and gain real work experience.

“We know how important these programmes are to the success of the whole housing sector which our new agency, More Homes Scotland, will help to grow. I wish every success to our apprentices and thank them for their contribution to our future workforce.”  

Frank Mitchell, Skills Development Scotland Chair, said: “Scottish Apprenticeships provide real returns for employers, individuals and the economy. 

“People from all backgrounds are gaining meaningful career opportunities through apprenticeships, creating diverse workforces that benefits business and our society. At a time when employers are seeing skill shortages all over the country, apprenticeships have never been so important than they are now.”

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director of Barratt Homes East Scotland, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution apprentices make to our business and the wider construction industry.

“We were proud to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our Tower Street at Merchant Quay development to meet some of our talented apprentices and hear about the vital work being done on site. Apprenticeships are fundamental to developing the next generation of skilled professionals and addressing the construction skills gap.

“At Barratt Homes, we are committed to investing in people, providing structured training and clear progression pathways so that individuals can build long and rewarding careers with us. “Developments like Tower Street at Merchant Quay demonstrate how investing in skills supports both local communities and Scotland’s housing ambitions.”

As one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, Barratt Redrow continues to play a central role in tackling Scotland’s housing challenges while supporting the local economy and helping to close the construction skills gap through investment in apprenticeships, graduate programmes and training initiatives.

For further information about Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development, visit: 

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev002948-tower-street-at-merchant-quay/.

Work underway on new 99-home Salamander Yards development 

Construction is now underway at Salamander Yards, a landmark 99-home development set within one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant and popular neighbourhoods, Leith.

Located on Salamander Street, just moments from the buzzing heart of Leith and backing directly onto Leith Links, the development is a joint venture between five star housebuilder Cruden Homes and MNM Developments. The project will transform a former industrial site into a contemporary mixed-use neighbourhood, contributing to the continued regeneration and growing cultural energy of the Leith Waterfront.

Leith has become synonymous with independent retailers, creative workspaces, community-led events and some of the capital’s most celebrated restaurants and bars. From artisan coffee shops and street markets to waterside dining and cultural festivals, the area has evolved into one of Scotland’s most dynamic places to live.

Salamander Yards will provide a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with 35% of the homes allocated as affordable housing to help meet the growing demand for high-quality, accessible homes in the capital. The development will also feature two commercial units at ground level, further enhancing the area’s thriving business scene and creating a lively street presence.

Designed by 7N Architects, the development has been carefully crafted to complement Leith’s distinctive character, blending contemporary design with the area’s industrial heritage.

Residents will benefit from landscaped outdoor spaces, including a private courtyard, alongside enhanced public realm improvements on Salamander Street and new active travel routes to promote safer, more accessible cycling.

The new development backs directly onto Leith Links, one of Edinburgh’s most historic and well-loved green spaces, giving residents immediate access to expansive parkland, sports pitches and walking routes. 

Salamander Yards is situated close to excellent transport connections, including bus routes, established cycle paths and the tram network, offering outstanding connectivity to Edinburgh city centre and beyond.

Fraser Lynes, Chief Executive of Cruden, said: “Salamander Yards is a key contribution to the evolution of Leith Waterfront, helping to shape a vibrant and sustainable place for people to live.

Together with our partners at MNM Developments, we are proud to deliver high-quality homes, including much-needed affordable housing, in one of Edinburgh’s most exciting and culturally rich neighbourhoods.

“Backing onto Leith Links and just moments from the Shore, this development combines green space, connectivity and community in a truly unique setting.”

Marc Teague, Managing Director at MNM Developments, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cruden to bring Salamander Yards to life.

“Leith continues to grow as a vibrant, creative and highly desirable place to live and work. This development not only delivers much-needed homes, but also supports the wider regeneration of the waterfront and enhances the strong sense of community that defines the area.”

Salamander Yards forms part of the wider regeneration of the Leith Waterfront, helping to create a thriving, mixed-use neighbourhood just minutes from the heart of the capital. First homes are due to complete in Spring 2027. 

Council steps up action to bring empty homes back into use

COUNCILLORS APPROVE NEW FIVE-YEAR EMPTY HOMES STRATEGY

The City of Edinburgh Council has made ‘strong progress’ over the past year in bringing empty homes back into use, as councillors approved a new five-year Empty Homes Strategy yesterday.

In the last year, 81 privately owned empty properties have been brought back into use bringing the total since 2023 to 149.

Edinburgh declared a housing emergency in November 2023 in response to challenges including rising homelessness, an acute shortage of social housing and growing pressure on temporary accommodation.

Bringing empty homes back into use is a key action within the Council’s Housing Emergency Action Plan, with a focus on supporting homeless households.

Following the recruitment of two additional Empty Homes Officers and a Housing Development Officer the team has increased efforts to identify properties earlier, work directly with owners and secure quicker routes to bring homes back into use.

Progress includes offering advice to owners of properties that have been empty for close to twelve months, participating in the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership matchmaker scheme and developing proposals for a new grant scheme linked to the Council’s Private Sector Leasing programme that would help owners make empty homes lettable, which would increase the supply of temporary accommodation available in the city.

Councillors approved the Empty Homes Strategy and Annual Report at Tuesday’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee which sets out how the Council will accelerate work over the next five years.

The strategy focuses on earlier identification of empty homes, targeted support for owners and the use of legal powers where appropriate to bring homes back into use.

Cllr Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “We’re committed to addressing the issue of empty homes across the city, to make sure that more properties are brought back into use and contribute to our housing stock.

“There are a variety of reasons why properties become empty, from legal and financial issues to personal circumstances and market dynamics. Our Empty Homes Team focuses on advising owners about their options, including selling their property or becoming a private landlord, helping to make more homes available to buyers and renters.

“With 149 homes made available since 2023 it’s great that people and families now have homes they would otherwise not have had, but there is still much more to do. We estimate there are over 3,000 empty homes in the city, with around 2,500 empty for more than twelve months.

“That is why we will continue to build on what has already been a very successful approach and encourage owners of empty homes to contact the Council for support to bring their property back into use.”

Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland mark New Homes Week with enhanced Part Exchange incentive

Research reveals new build homeowners save as much as £420 per year, while household carbon emissions are cut by up to 74%.

To mark New Homes Week 2026, Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of the UK’s leading housebuilder Barratt Redrow, have increased their Part Exchange incentive from £500 to £1,000 for people who are still living in their existing property when it is sold*.

With Part Exchange, when prospective homeowners purchase a new home with Barratt Homes or David Wilson Homes, the housebuilder becomes the guaranteed buyer for their existing property, taking the stress out of selling and helping them to move quicker and more easily.

Now in its 21st year, the annual New Homes Week campaign launched by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) aims to highlight the benefits of new build homes and provide a platform for the home building industry, homeowners and potential buyers to recognise the value of modern developments.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland’s enhanced Part Exchange incentive comes as new research from the Home Builders Federation demonstrates new build homes are far more cost and energy efficient than second hand homes, with homeowners typically saving over £420 a year**.

Based on data from Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, the Watt a Save report shows that energy bills for new build homes are 21% less than typical older properties.

Thanks to increasingly sustainable building practices and technology, the majority of new homes achieve an A or B Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). As a result, new build homeowners spend around £1,574 a year on energy, compared with £1,995 on older homes that typically have a D rating. Meanwhile people living in F and G rated homes – such as some Victorian properties – typically spent 39% more on their overall energy bills last year, compared to the average new build homeowner.

The Watt a Save report has been released today (Friday 6 February) to support national New Homes Week’s ‘Power to Save’ day, providing key evidence for people looking at the long-term running costs of their next home, before they buy.

In addition to cutting running costs, the findings show new build homes are helping to cut household carbon emissions by up to 74% every year, compared to older properties, meaning today’s new build buyers can significantly lower their carbon footprint without changing their habits.

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “At Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, we’re committed to helping people move up or onto the property ladder.

“This New Homes Week, we’re highlighting our enhanced Part Exchange scheme, which removes the need for an onward chain and guarantees the sale of an existing home, taking the stress out of moving and helping buyers secure their ideal home.

“Our new homes across East Scotland are designed with energy efficiency and long-term performance at the forefront. Features such as solar panels, air source heat pumps, and modern insulation reduce running costs and environmental impact. Independent data shows how new-build homes outperform older properties, underlining the clear benefits of choosing a modern, future-proof home.”

Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive at the Home Builders Federation, said: “Buying a home marks a major milestone in our lives, yet for many, achieving that dream has become increasingly challenging.

“This New Homes Week we’re spotlighting the much-needed support home builders provide to make buying a new home more accessible – removing barriers and reducing uncertainty to make the goal of homeownership more achievable.

“By ensuring people understand their options and the benefits of buying a new build, we hope to empower more would-be buyers to take those steps to moving and beginning the next chapter of their lives.”

Barratt and David Wilson Homes are creating a range of new communities across East Scotland, including David Wilson Homes @ St Andrews in Fife, just a stone’s throw from world-renowned golf courses and beaches.

For more information about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit:

www.barratthomes.co.uk/ and https://www.dwh.co.uk/

*Terms and Conditions apply

**Watt a Save, 2026, Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Octopus Energy.

Making social homes warmer and cleaner to heat

Latest grants from Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund

Communities from Shetland to Dumfries & Galloway have benefited from more than £19 million in Government funding to help make social housing more energy efficient and cleaner to heat.

Allocations from the latest funding round of the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund published today show that 27 projects across the country made successful applications, bringing clean heating and energy efficiency improvements to around 2,300 social homes.

Improvements range from the installation of external and cavity wall insulation and double or triple glazing to individual and communal heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage. 

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided almost £90 million of funding to social housing providers through this fund, helping to make more than 13,000 social homes warmer and easier and cleaner to heat.

“We are absolutely determined to tackle the twin challenges of cutting fuel poverty and reducing emissions from our homes and buildings, which can be particularly challenging with housing that is older or more difficult to heat because of its location or construction.

“I’m therefore delighted that we’ve been able to support so many social landlords to make these vital improvements. Emissions are being reduced and tenants are already benefiting from warmer homes and significant reductions in their energy bills, helping to take many households out of fuel poverty.”

Cloch Housing Association received a grant of £3.1m to support the installation of high-performance doors and triple-glazed windows to more than 550 properties in Inverclyde.

Robert Pollock, Director of Assets, Cloch Housing Association said: “Tenant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents reporting significant reductions in external noise and improved heat retention within their homes.

“These enhancements are making a meaningful contribution to addressing fuel poverty by enabling tenants to heat their properties more efficiently and affordably.

“Furthermore, the resulting reduction in heating demand is delivering welcome carbon savings, aligning with our broader commitment to sustainable and resilient communities. We are grateful for the scheme’s support in enabling these improvements that deliver lasting benefits for our tenants and the environment.”

Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund Progress Reports February 2026

Council ‘on the right track’ to deal with Edinburgh’s housing crisis

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Cllr Tim Pogson writes: “In November 2023, we took the significant step of declaring a housing emergency here in Edinburgh – the first city in Scotland to do so. 

Our city continues to face unprecedented demand for housing, amidst challenging market conditions, ongoing budget pressures and insufficient funding from the Scottish Government. Declaring an emergency was a call to action and now over two years on, there is clear evidence that this call is being answered.

The Council’s Housing Emergency Action Plan (HEAP) provides a focused and pragmatic response. Built around two themes – increasing housing supply and addressing demand for housing – the plan recognises both the immediate pressures facing households and the structural challenges that have built up over many years.

I’m pleased to report that progress against both of these themes has been considerable over the past 12 months.

I should say that this is completely at odds with some of the misleading commentary we’ve seen in the media and elsewhere – based it would seem on a complete (and in some cases wilful) misinterpretation of council reporting. To be absolutely clear, the Council does not have a £60 million underspend in housing and, no, we won’t be giving it to Glasgow. 

This fictitious figure came from the sum of £45 million for temporary accommodation, which are now being purchased from a different fund, and £15m to reflect a revised spending profile across a number of new housing developments, all of which are still progressing to plan. In short, the money is being spent and the houses built. 

This year alone, the Council has completed construction of 459 new homes and purchased of an additional 278 ‘off the shelf’. This represents the single biggest annual increase in our housing stock in recent years and more than double the amount delivered in any of the last five years.

Major development milestones have also been reached across the city, with business cases approved for Granton Waterfont (phase 1), Fountainbridge and Meadowbank – which together will deliver 2,000 new homes for the city. 

We’ve also reduced the number of void properties by over 60% from when the Housing Emergency was declared, making more homes available to let – bringing much needed homes back into use.

Looking forward, our ambitious budget strategy, which councillors will debate on 26 February, places housing at the heart of our plans, with a £1.6 billion investment in affordable homes proposed over the next five years.

This would represent one of the largest housing interventions by a local authority in modern times, and all deliverable before the Scottish Government’s new Home Agency even puts a spade in the ground.

While there is still much to do, the progress we’ve made in tackling the housing emergency shows that sustained action, partnership working, and political commitment can make a real difference.

Pressures remain acute, and the scale of the challenge should not be underestimated, but our direction of travel is clear.

This article first appeared in the Evening News on 4 February

£8.2m taxpayer bill for Edinburgh mould crisis revealed in FOI as complaints soar

A recent survey has revealed that one-third of Scottish social housing tenants lack confidence that their landlord will fix damp and mould, with thousands of complaints being made in recent years. 

Between 2021 and 2022, there were at least 14,451 complaints made to local authorities in Scotland, a 19 per cent increase on the year before.

Now, new Freedom of Information (FOI) data sourced by the home experts at Hillarys has revealed that the City of Edinburgh Council has spent more than £8.2 million tackling damp and mould in homes since 2024. The findings reveal that mould and damp complaints in the capital soared by +52% between 2022 (1,215) and 2024 (1,849), as residents report nearly five cases a day.

And while new regulation is set to be introduced from October, enforcing fixed timeframes for social landlords to investigate and start prevention works to address damp and mould, the experts at Hillarys have shared advice on how households can tackle the problem at home while many tenants are still waiting for repairs to be carried out.

Edinburgh Council’s spending on damp and mould in homes

Month20242025Grand Total
January148,000314,000462,000
February244,000352,000596,000
March252,000353,000605,000
April360,000254,000614,000
May291,000436,000727,000
June343,000423,000766,000
July343,000274,000617,000
August313,000367,000680,000
September514,000410,000924,000
October310,000395,000705,000
November589,000301,000890,000
December393,000264,000657,000
Total4,100,0004,143,000£8,243,000

Hillarys Freedom of Information (FOI) request has uncovered that the City of Edinburgh Council has spent £8,243,000 tackling mould and damp across homes in the capital between 2024 and 2025, or £4.1m per year on average.

Edinburgh residents make 143 complaints a month about mould and damp in the capital’s housing stock

In 2022, the council responded to 1,215 reports of damp and mould, soaring by +52% to 1,849 in 2024 and 1,591 in 2025.3 Overall, the council recorded 3,440 cases between 2024 and 2025, equivalent to 143 reports per month or nearly 5 complaints each day.

Edinburgh Council currently reports an average resolution time of 42 calendar days, or six weeks, from the date damp or mould is reported to the completion of treatment work. This is significantly higher than the framework that will be enforced in the autumn, where significant damp and mould must be investigated within 10 working days and made safe within five.

Why are Scottish homes more prone to damp and mould?

Nearly one in ten homes has some incidence of damp or mould in Scotland (9-10%),  compared to 4-5% of homes in England, indicating that while England has a higher total number of homes with damp, the percentage of households affected in Scotland is higher.5,6

One in ten Scottish households is impacted by damp or mould

Households in Scotland are particularly affected due to a combination of cold, wet weather, older buildings and the high cost of heating, which limits proper ventilation. In fact, a recent analysis of EPC data by Hillarys found that the ten most expensive regions to heat nationwide are all in Scotland.

Households in the Highland region pay £1,902 per year on average for heating, with the region found to have the fourth-highest proportion of homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower (63.42).

Victoria Robinson, product expert at Hillarys, has shared how households can tackle the problem at home and when to seek professional advice: “Proper household maintenance is incredibly important for preventing and treating mould.

“With good ventilation from opening windows and using extractor fans where possible, you can reduce the risk of mould and dampness. If you spot mould in your home, the first step is to carefully clean the affected areas by using detergents, white vinegar or mould removers and eliminating dampness at the source.

“Cleaning your own home is important and cost-effective, but sometimes it is not enough to fix mould problems. If mould is present in large areas, normally more than 1m2,  or you find recurring mould patches, musty odours or structural damage, it is time to call in a professional or escalate with your landlord before further damage to your health and home occurs.”

 https://www.hillarys.co.uk/blinds-range/. 

Royal Bank of Scotland sets £10 billion funding ambition for social housing

  • The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced, through its parent NatWest Group, that it has provided more than £25 billion* in commercial loans and capital market support to the UK social housing sector between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2025.  
  • Bank has delivered on its social housing lending ambition of £7.5 billion from 2024 to 2026 a year early, which includes lending to Kingdom Housing Association in Fife last year. 

The Royal Bank of Scotland has today announced an updated package of £10 billion of funding to the UK social housing sector before the end of 2028, which when deployed will bring the total funding to social housing in the UK to over £35 billion* since 2018.  

Through this new ambition, the bank is aiming to support the delivery and maintenance of social housing in the UK, which is vital to the people and families who rely on affordable housing, as well as the wider economy. The Royal Bank of Scotland has worked with not-for-profit housing associations across Scotland to support their growth and development plans building homes and communities for many years. 

The bank also confirmed it has now provided more than £25 billion* of funding into the social housing sector since 2018, helping to create and sustain affordable homes nationwide.

The Royal Bank of Scotland aims to support the delivery and upkeep of social housing across the UK, helping housing associations build new homes, upgrade existing properties, and improve living conditions. Some of this lending can help fund energy efficiency and environmental improvements, including retrofit projects. Other funding can help the housing associations sector to deliver a pipeline of new homes and improve living conditions in existing properties. 

Paul Thwaite, CEO NatWest Group comments: “We are incredibly proud to announce the early achievement of our £7.5 billion UK social housing lending ambition.

“Delivering this milestone a full year ahead of scheduled demonstrates our commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives by investing in the homes and communities that need it most, and shows the demand in the market.  

“Reaching this lending ambition early has enabled us to set a new target of £10 billion to year-end 2028, so we can continue to provide social housing lending and play our part in supporting the development and availability of affordable and social rent homes across the UK.”  

The announcement forms part of the bank’s new five point Growing Together plan, setting out how the bank will help build the conditions for UK wide growth: backing powerful regions, championing mid-market companies, strengthening the country’s infrastructure and housing foundations, boosting financial confidence amongst families and young people, and supporting the innovators shaping the future economy.

Drawing on its regional footprint, expertise and convening power, the bank aims to bring businesses, communities, and policymakers together to tackle structural barriers, unlock productivity and spread opportunity across the UK.

In addition to these commitments, last year the Royal Bank of Scotland announced several other initiatives and partnerships that have complemented and contributed to our social housing lending ambition being achieved. These include a financial guarantee of up to £400 million from the National Wealth Fund to cover a series of new loans from Royal Bank of Scotland to registered providers of social housing stock in the UK.  

The bank also launched a new social rent loan product to support housing associations, which are already Royal Bank of Scotland customers, to support the construction of social rent houses across the UK. In December 2025, this fund was doubled to £1 billion in response to strong demand and to help continue the delivery of homes for social rent across the country. 

These initiatives complement Royal Bank of Scotland’s ongoing dedication to supporting communities and helping to address the housing crisis. 

In December, the Royal Bank of Scotland announced £20 million in additional lending to Kingdom Housing Association (KHA) headquartered in Fife.

KHA are one of Scotland’s largest registered social landlords and manage over 7,000 homes, providing a wide range of housing, care and support services. The funding will help deliver 170 new energy efficient homes in Fife and Perth and Kinross and builds on existing lending to KHA from the bank which now totals £61 million.

Edinburgh short-term let control area has delivered NO measurable housing benefit, new FOI reveals

ASSC warns other local authorities in Scotland considering comparable schemes

A Freedom of Information response has confirmed that the City of Edinburgh Council holds NO EVIDENCE that its Short-Term Let Planning Control Area has delivered any measurable improvement in housing supply, affordability or market outcomes since it was introduced in 2022.

The findings, released today by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), raises serious questions for other local authorities, including Highland and Fife Councils, that are actively considering introducing similar controls.

In response to the FOI request, Edinburgh Council confirmed it does not hold any quantitative data, impact assessments or evaluations showing improvements in overall housing availability, affordable housing supply, property sale prices or private rental costs since the Planning Control Area (PCA) was implemented.

It also confirmed that no internal or external review has been carried out to assess whether the policy has worked.  

When asked about empty homes and second homes, the Council relied solely on broad Scottish Government statistics published at whole local authority level, rather than providing any analysis specific to the PCA itself.

At the same time, independent market data shows that housing costs have continued to rise. Average property prices across Edinburgh and the wider region increased by more than 4% in 2025, while private rents in the Lothians remain among the highest in Scotland and continue to climb year on year.

The ASSC has described the findings as a clear example of regulation introduced without an evidence base and maintained without proof of success.

In response, it reiterated its call for an independent post-implementation review of the Edinburgh STL PCA and for housing policy to focus on proven solutions, including new build delivery and targeted empty homes initiatives.

The ASSC is also appealing for an immediate pause on the further expansion of PCAs until there is clear, localised and transparent evidence that they actually work. The leading trade body warned that other councils should pause and reflect before following Edinburgh’s lead.

Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “This FOI response confirms something deeply troubling. A major planning intervention has been introduced, enforced and defended without any evidence that it actually delivers housing benefit. That is not how good policy should be made.

“The facts completely undermine the narrative surrounding this policy. Since the STL Planning Control Area was introduced in Edinburgh, house prices and rents have continued to rise with no sign of improved affordability or increased supply. All that’s happened in nearly three and a half years of operation is increased costs and disruption to small businesses.

“For other councils like Highland and Fife mulling similar schemes, the risks are significant. These controls can damage local tourism economies, undermine small family-run businesses and reduce visitor spend, without delivering the housing benefits that are often promised. Edinburgh’s experience should be act as a cautionary tale, not a template.

“If a policy cannot demonstrate that it has achieved its stated objectives, the answer is not to double down but to reassess. Scotland needs housing solutions that genuinely increase supply and affordability, not ill-conceived ideological measures driven by assumption which only serve to raise false hopes within local communities.”