Amendments passed to strengthen protection for tenants
Legislation to improve tenants’ rights and introduce homelessness prevention measures has completed Stage 2 scrutiny by a cross-party committee of MSPs.
The Scottish Government introduced the Housing (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament last year to help tackle poverty by improving the experience of renters and introducing a range of new duties to prevent homelessness.
The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee approved a number of Scottish Government amendments to the Bill at Stage 2, including powers to implement Awaab’s Law that would give social tenants greater protection against damp and mould, and measures to set out how rents could be capped in rent control areas.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Housing Bill will play an important role in our efforts to tackle poverty by keeping rent affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes by securing tenancies.
“Our amendments on rent control not only provide certainty for tenants but also provide more clarity to the housing sector on what our rent control proposals will look like, giving investors confidence to continue to support housebuilding in Scotland.
“We have also introduced plans to implement Awaab’s Law which will mean everyone can have the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home free from disrepair.
“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for people threatened with homelessness. The Housing Bill will provide even greater protection, so I am pleased the Committee has completed its Stage 2 scrutiny and I look forward to working with Members across the chamber as the legislation goes through the final Stage 3 process.”
The budget for a programme that uses technology in housing to help older people remain independent for longer will more than double this year from £8.2 million to £20.9 million.
This means more housing association tenants will benefit from the Registered Social Landlord Adaptations Programme, a preventative model that also reduces hospital admissions and long-term care costs.
On her visit to Bield Housing Association’s Tech Hub in Linlithgow, the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville saw a variety of adaptations that are making a difference to the lives of older people and saving public money.
Ms Somerville said: “Scotland faces significant challenges as our population ages and it is preventative, people-focused approaches like this that will help us deliver better outcomes for older people while making the best use of public resources.
“That is why we announced in our Programme for Government that we would more than double the budget this year for the Registered Social Landlord’s Adaptations Programme from £8.25 million to £20.9 million to allow housing associations to plan and deliver more adaptations for their tenants.
“This financial year we are also investing £768 million in affordable housing, the majority of which will be for social rent. This reflects our long-standing commitment to ensure everyone in Scotland has a safe and affordable home to live in.”
Chief Executive of Bield Debbie Collins said: “Investing in the right housing and technology supports older people to manage their health, stay connected, and live independently – reducing reliance on formal care and helping to avoid preventable hospital stays.
“We believe housing must be seen as part of the health and care infrastructure and that continued investment in digital solutions and accessible homes not only improve people’s lives but delivers public value by saving money in the long-term.”
£13m refinancing loan from Royal Bank of Scotland enables Manor Estates Housing Association to continue to maintain and improve the quality of its affordable housing while delivering new homes in South Queensferry.
Funding injection forms a key part of the bank’s commitment to invest £7.5bn into the UK affordable housing sector between 1 January 2024 and year-end 2026.
Manor Estates Housing Association Ltd (MEHA), a registered social landlord and charity based in Edinburgh, is celebrating its 30th anniversary as it secures a £13 million funding injection from Royal Bank of Scotland.
The organisation, which has been providing social housing in Edinburgh since 1995, will use the funding to refinance a former housing loan and the balance will be used to fund MEHA’s mission to maintain and improve the quality of its affordable housing.
With around 1,100 homes across the capital, MEHA has a long-standing commitment to delivering excellent housing services, developing new housing, with effective governance and financial management to secure the long-term future of the organisation. As proof of MEHA’s commitment to housing, they have recently completed the first phase of a new development in South Queensferry.
This support from Royal Bank of Scotland is part of the NatWest Group’s broader ambition for the UK affordable housing sector to fund £7.5bn across the UK between 1 January 2024 and year-end 2026.
Kathryn Miller, Corporate Services Director & Depute CEO of MEHA, said:“We are delighted to be working with the Royal Bank of Scotland and are looking forward to a long and positive working relationship between both organisations.
“Part of the new funds will help fund improvements in our housing stock over the next few years.’’
Jamie Landa, Real Estate Finance at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “Royal Bank of Scotland and the wider NatWest Group continues to be one of the leading lenders to the UK social housing sector.
“Manor Estates Housing Association (MEHA) has a long history in providing quality and affordable social housing in key regions of Edinburgh and the East Coast and we are delighted to be able to facilitate further support for their ongoing projects here in Scotland.
“As the organisation enters its 30th year in operation, it is great to help it prepare for the future and create opportunities for more people to enjoy access to affordable social housing.”
This funding injection comes after Royal Bank of Scotland concluded a lending transaction of £19 million for social housing developer Eildon Housing Association, with the Housing Association planning to deliver nearly 800 new homes in the Scottish Borders.
More information on Royal Bank’s social housing ambitions can be found here.
The Scottish Government’s decision to end renter protection will harm households and families in Edinburgh. says Lorna Slater the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian region.
The protections, which ended this week, were introduced by the then Green Minister Patrick Harvie following the year long rent freeze. This mechanism potentially allows rent increases to be limited to no higher than 12% if a tenant applies to a rent officer for a decision.
The Scottish Government had said the system would support the transition away from the rent freeze and to the forthcoming system of Rent Control Areas, avoiding a ‘cliff edge’ for renters and protecting them from excessively large increases.
The cost of renting a two bedroom home in Scotland’s capital is £1,358, which is an increase of 14% since 2010.
Lorna Slater MSP said:“Households and families all over the citywill be getting notices hiking up their rents with little chance to appeal. Meanwhile rogue landlords will be celebrating in the knowledge that they are no longer being constrained.
“It doesn’t need to be like this. The Scottish Government can stop it. The protections that the Scottish Greens secured can be extended, offering renters supporters from the most predatory landlords.
“People in Edinburgh have already seen their costs soaring and this decision will only make that worse and will make further price hikes inevitable.
“All parties agree that we are in a housing emergency. The last thing we should be doing is allowing rents to be increased without limit.
“We need a robust and permanent system of rent controls that can support renters and offer protection and stability.
“Homes are for living in, not for profiteering. We need fundamental change if we are to ensure everyone in the city and beyond has a warm, comfortable and affordable place to call home.”
‘Hard working’ families in England to get safe and secure homes as Chancellor announces £2 billion injection of new grant funding to deliver up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes
Landmark announcement part of Plan for Change to deliver security for working people by growing the economy and building 1.5 million homes.
£2 billion of new funding will only support development on sites that will deliver in this Parliament, getting spades in the ground quickly to build homes in places such as Manchester and Liverpool.
Helping hard working families get safe and secure homes and kickstarting economic growth are driving the government’s agenda, as the Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister today (Tuesday 25 March) announced up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes will be built with a £2 billion injection of investment to deliver the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.
The announcement hails a significant milestone on the government’s promise to build 1.5 million new homes whilst driving economic growth by getting Britain building again. It follows the government’s plan to inspire the next generation of British engineers, brickies and chippies, by training 60,000 construction workers to tackle skills shortages and get more young people into jobs.
The £2 billion investment boost comes as a down payment from the Treasury ahead of more long term investment in social and affordable housing planned later this year, which will provide additional funding for 2026-27 and well as for future years. This forms part of the government’s plan for tackling the housing crisis that has held working families back from the stability and security that comes with a safe roof over your head.
Thousands of new affordable homes will start construction by March 2027 and will complete by the end of this Parliament. The government is encouraging providers to come forwards as soon as possible with projects and bids to ramp up the delivery of new housing supply, in turn making the dream of home ownership a reality for more people across the country.
Today’s investment will also unlock development and opportunity on sites that are ready and waiting for spades in the ground in places such as Manchester or Liverpool.
The Chancellor announced plans on a visit to an affordable housing site in Stoke-On-Trent with the Deputy Prime Minister, working hand in hand to deliver the biggest boost to affordable and social housing in a generation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said: “Everyone deserves to have a safe and secure roof over their heads and a place to call their own, but the reality is that far too many people have been frozen out of home ownership or denied the chance to rent a home they can afford thanks to the housing crisis we’ve inherited.
“This investment will help us to build thousands more affordable homes to buy and rent and get working people and families into secure homes and onto the housing ladder. This is just the latest in delivering our Plan for Change mission to build 1.5 million homes, and the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: “We are fixing the housing crisis in this country with the biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. Today’s announcement will help drive growth through our Plan for Change by delivering up to 18,000 new homes, as well as jobs and opportunities, getting more money into working people’s pockets.
“At the conclusion of the current Spending Review process on 11 June 2025, the government will announce further long-term investment into the sector in England, delivering the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation.”
Kate Henderson, Chief Executive at the National Housing Federation, says: “This funding top-up is hugely welcome and demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering genuinely affordable, social housing for families in need across the country. The additional £2 billion will prevent a cliff edge in delivery of new homes, ahead of the next funding programme being announced.
“Social housing is the only secure and affordable housing for families on low incomes, and the dire shortage has led to rocketing rates of poverty, overcrowding and homelessness.
“Investment in social housing is not only key to tackling the housing crisis, but is also excellent value for money, reducing government spending on benefits, health, and homelessness as well as boosting growth. Housing associations are ready to work with the government to deliver a generation of new social homes.
Charlie Nunn, CEO, Lloyds Banking Group said: “A safe and lasting home is the foundation for good lives and livelihoods, and we welcome this boost to building much-needed social and affordable homes.
“As the UK’s biggest commercial supporter of social housing, we’re working across the private, public and community sectors to help increase provision of good quality, genuinely affordable housing for those in need.”
David Thomas, CEO at Barratt Redrow said:“To increase construction activity and build the homes the UK desperately needs, we need support for demand across all tenures.
“As well as providing more much-needed affordable homes, this welcome investment will help unlock mixed-tenure developments and to create jobs and economic growth across the country.”
Stephen Teagle, Chair of The Housing Forum said:“This additional funding signals that the Government is listening to the sector and reaffirms its strong commitment to accelerating the delivery of much-needed affordable housing while driving economic growth.
“It represents an unprecedented intervention which, when paired with sustained, long-term investment, will be instrumental in meeting the growing demand for affordable homes.
“Now, it’s up to the industry to rise to the challenge — accelerating delivery, building momentum towards the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes, and ensuring we provide the housing this country urgently needs.”
Social housing residents in Scotland will be given greater protection against issues of disrepair in their homes such as damp and mould through the introduction of Awaab’s Law.
Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale.
The Scottish Government intends to introduce amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that will broaden Ministers’ powers to impose timeframes on social landlords to investigate disrepair and start repairs, through regulation, following engagement with the sector.
The regulations will build on provisions already in the Bill on strengthening tenants’ rights and Scotland’s existing legal protections for social tenants such as the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and the Right to Repair Scheme.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Introducing timescales and expectations for repairs aims to make sure this never happens to a child or their family ever again.
“Everyone in Scotland deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair. We already have a strong set of rights and standards that have been improving in Scotland.
“However, these measures will go even further and give power and confidence to tenants that any issues identified and repairs started in a timely manner, so any issues do not have a detrimental impact on their health.
“Our Housing Bill already contains proposals to improve tenants’ rights, and these measures will strengthen those even further to make sure their home is safe for them and their families.”
North Edinburgh Parents Action Group held their 3rd meeting with senior housing staff at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre at the end of last month.
The meeting was well attended by local people affected by housing issues but unfortunately there were fewer senior staff in attendance than previous meetings which the group felt was disappointing.
The meeting focused on a number of key issues which have been raised by local people including :
overcrowding and a shortage of larger houses in North Edinburgh,
poor standards of repairs,
issues with Edindex,
lack of support to tenants allocated PSL (Private Sector Leasing) properties, and
inaccurate information contained in progress reports on individual cases.
Local people presented each of these issues to the Director of Housing and his staff and pointed out that most of these issues had already been brought to their attention at the previous two meetings and in their publication ‘SOS – North Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency’ which was published last May.
It was also pointed out that since then the group have raised other issues which are affecting tenants who have been housed in temporary accommodation and nothing has been done to address these issues.
Commitment from Director of Housing
The Director of Housing acknowledged people’s frustrations and reassured the meeting that his team were working on these issues and were developing new ways of working which he hoped would improve the service.
Furthermore, he agreed to take the following action in response to the latest information people had shared about their experiences :
To meet with the Chief Executive of PSL to highlight all the complaints people have raised and to clarify how the system works
To invite a senior member of the new build team to the next meeting to provide information on the numbers of houses available for social rent, particularly larger properties and new properties which can be adapted.
To provide a written response to all the issues raised in the group’s report
To organise regular drop-in sessions locally to enable tenants to access housing staff who are able to provide support and information on a variety of housing-related issues.
Enough is Enough
Although the group welcomed these commitments, there was also a feeling of disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress in tackling the area’s housing problems.
People also felt disheartened that after all these meetings senior housing managers were unable to provide answers to things they should really know about.
Susan Rowand, chairperson of the parents group, said: “We were shocked at the fact that people in this position didn’t seem up to speed or familiar with their own systems.
“We need to have confidence that those at the top understand what is going wrong and have a plan to put it right.”
No more false promises
The meeting was also attended by representatives from Low Income Families Together (LIFT) who reported that they were dealing with the same issues in Muirhouse on a daily basis.
Pauline Bowie, Manager of LIFT said: “As well as changes to the system, there needs to be a commitment by Council Officers, local Councils and MSPs to ensure that the changes are enforced. We don’t want any more false promises.
“Many of the properties people are stuck in are uninhabitable and would never make it onto the Edindex housing bidding service. These properties are offered as PSL to reduce the numbers of people in temporary accommodation and to reduce the level of support required by the CEC housing support services. This needs to change now.”
The first tenants have moved into ‘net zero ready’ affordable homes delivered by the Council at Western Villages in Granton Waterfront.Once fully occupied the site will deliver 388 affordable homes, a mixture of social rent and mid-market rent.
Housing Convener Lezley Marion Cameron and Housing Minister Paul Mclennan visited the partially completed affordable housing development yesterday.
This follows the first tenants moving into Granton Station View where 75 energy efficient homes for social rent and mid-market rent were delivered in October last year. Work is also well underway to deliver a further 143 affordable ‘net zero ready’ homes at nearby Silverlea.
A housing emergency was declared in Edinburgh in November 2023 and so the affordable homes at Western Villages built by CCG (Scotland) Ltd on behalf of the Council are much needed.
The homes at Western Villages consist of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including wheelchair-accessible ground-floor dwellings that will each benefit from stunning parkland and sea views.
To achieve net zero carbon, the homes were constructed using advanced construction methods to improve thermal performance (and reduce heat loss).
Delivered with an on-site energy centre containing air-source heat pumps and renewable technologies such as solar PV panels, this low carbon heat system and zero emissions strategy was supported by £4.1m of funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme.
Sustainability credentials will be further enhanced by limited cark parking spaces within the development, provision of Electric Vehicle charging and an increased emphasis on active travel, all in a bid to promote the use of more sustainable modes of transport.
Other innovative features in the development include an underground waste collection system, cycle parking twice the capacity of the residents living there and links to existing and established walking, cycling and wheeling routes.
This housing forms part of the council’s wider £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.
The next stage of delivery will get underway later this year with plans for a further 847 net zero ready homes, a new primary school, a low carbon heat network, commercial and retail space and new and upgraded active travel network.
A grant of almost £16m was announced by the Scottish Government last week from their Housing Infrastructure Fund to help part fund some of the upfront site wide infrastructure and enabling required for the next phase.
Housing Convener Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron said:“We’re in the midst of a housing emergency so I’m delighted to see real progress being made to address it with these much-needed homes being delivered in Granton.
“These homes will not only ease our housing shortage, but they will provide individuals and families with comfortable modern homes using the very latest technology to keep energy bills down.
“I wish everyone moving into Western Villages well. It’s encouraging to know that hundreds of other individuals and families will be moving into these new homes at Granton Waterfront in the months ahead.”
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said:“It was good to see the first residents at Western Villages moving into their new highly energy efficient social and mid-market rent homes. These have been supported with over £15 million in funding since 2020 from our Affordable Housing Supply Programme.
“As the First Minister announced last week, a further £15.86 million grant to the City of Edinburgh Council will be provided from our Housing Infrastructure Fund to help support the building of net zero homes at Granton Waterfront in further phases.
“Since 2007, we have delivered more than 135,000 affordable homes including 95,000 for social rent and 26,306 council homes.
“Furthermore, our budget of £768 million for 2025–26 will help to tackle the housing emergency as well as move towards our target of providing 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.”
CCG Director Calum Murray said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Housing Minister to Western Villages today, Scotland’s largest net-zero ready residential development.
“Not only is the project a flagship for sustainable, all-tenure housing delivery in Edinburgh – including the city’s first-ever, net-zero ready homes for sale by CCG Homes – but it is also a leading example of what can be achieved through collaboration and partnership working.
“With the use of pioneering construction standards and a legacy of jobs and training, the positive impact of Western Villages will transcend the Granton Waterfront Regeneration, and we look forward to the weeks ahead as we welcome tenants and homeowners alike to this new, coastal community.”
Lovell Partnerships has officially completed all affordable housing at its Oakwood Edge development in Mayfield, near Dalkeith. The Scottish Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, visited last to mark the handover to Melville Housing Association of the 39 high-quality, affordable homes.
The £7.1 million development, backed by £3.94 million in Scottish Government grant funding, has provided a range of energy-efficient homes for social rent as part of a wider 156-home development.
The mix of affordable housetypes includes 1 and 2-bedroom cottage flats, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom terraced homes and 2 wheelchair-accessible bungalows, ensuring a variety of housing options to meet different needs within the community.
All homes at Oakwood Edge have been designed to meet high energy efficiency standards, with solar PV panels and communal electric vehicle charging points. Four homes have also been enhanced to achieve Net Zero status, featuring air source heat pumps, battery storage and triple glazing.
Beyond providing much-needed affordable housing, Lovell has embedded social value throughout the project, generating an impressive £1.7M in social and local economic value. Initiatives have included community space improvements, education and cost-of-living support.
Key social value contributions include:
• Lovell, in partnership with their suppliers H&C Plumbing, Jordan Electrics, Phoenix Decorators, Tough Construction and JAD joinery, supported local youth charity Y2K and Mayfield & Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT) to improve their community spaces.
• Local primary school students were invited on-site to learn about careers in construction as well as health and safety.
• Every social housing resident will receive an air fryer to help reduce energy bills.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “It was good to have a tour of Melville Housing Association’s new social rented development and meet one of the tenants whose new home is part of Oakwood Edge near Dalkeith.
“What is particularly impressive about this development is the range, quality and energy efficiency of these houses, alongside the existing community facilities in the area.
“We’re pleased to have provided £3.94 million in Scottish Government grant funding for this project and have a good track record in affordable housing, delivering more than 135,000 affordable homes since 2007 including 95,000 for social rent and 26,306 council homes.
“Furthermore, our budget of £768 million for 2025-26 will help tackle the housing emergency while contributing towards our target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.”
Tony Rankin, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said: “At Lovell, we believe building homes is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating lasting value for communities.
£Oakwood Edge is a great demonstration of how we integrate social impact into every stage of development and we’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved here alongside our partners, Melville Housing Association.”
Donna Bogdanovic, Chair of Melville Housing Association, said: “This development, our second with Lovell, is a fantastic example of how partnerships can deliver real results for communities.
The homes at Oakwood Edge provide much-needed, high-quality social housing in an area of high demand. So far, 11 tenants have moved into their new homes and we’re delighted with the positive feedback we have already received from our new tenants.”
MAEDT Manager Sharon Hill said: “We are incredibly grateful for the contribution Lovell has made to our community projects. Their practical support has strengthened the services we can offer to our community.”
To find out more about Lovell, visit: www.lovell.co.uk
TENANTS in nine homes in Edinburgh will benefit from major energy upgrades to improve living standards and lower energy bills.
The homes, located in the southeast of the city, boast an Energy Performance Certificate ‘B’ rating after a series of improvements including External Wall Insulation (EWI) and window upgrades.
They are now undergoing monitoring to assess energy consumption, tenant comfort, and overall performance. Data gathered from the homes will provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of these measures and help determine the feasibility of rolling out similar upgrades across other Council housing stock.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I warmly welcome what’s been achieved in collaboration with our partners, AtkinsRéalis and Anderson Bell + Christie, on this transformative retrofit project.The energy improvements are already delivering real benefits for tenants – lower energy bills, increased comfort, and more sustainable homes.
“The data we’re collecting will be instrumental in scaling up this work to happen across other Council homes in Edinburgh, contributing towards our Net Zero 2030 target. While the work involved is complex, the long-term benefits – for our tenants, communities, and our city’s environment – are undeniable.”
Anderson Bell + Christie Director Jonathan McQuillan said: “This project signals a real shift change in how Scottish social housing landlords are approaching their obligations to improve the energy and quality of homes ahead of the Scottish Government deadline – taking a co-ordinated, architectural viewpoint to ensure the measures put in place and undertaken are tailed to each and every building to ensure its effectiveness for many generations to come.
“The City of Edinburgh Council have been pioneering in their thinking and as a result of the pilot, on which we spent two years investigating and garnering the right data, the majority of their stock can now be retrofitted with confidence.
“The improvement works support future measures such as district heating systems, making them ‘net zero-ready’.”
The project adopted a ‘whole house approach’ to implement advanced retrofit standards for the nine pilot homes. The properties were selected following an in-depth review of 52 building types which involved comprehensive surveys, including asbestos checks, air-tightness testing, and extensive energy modelling.
