Consultation

The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation setting out 10 proposals for giving social landlords greater flexibility in the allocation and management of their housing stock.

The consultation follows a commitment in Homes Fit for the 21st Century. Proposals cover a range of issues across three areas - accessing affordable rented housing, antisocial behaviour and tenancies; and intermediate rent.

We want to hear from all those with an interest including:

  • social landlords,
  • those working in social housing,
  • tenants,
  • those applying for housing,
  • housing groups and organisations.

You can also get involved in the debate on Facebook. The consultation will close on 30 April 2012.

Social Housing

tenementSocial housing in Scotland includes housing managed by public authorities (predominately councils) and housing associations (registered social landlords or RSLs).

Council housing stock levels have been decreasing each year since the 1980s. This is mainly due to tenants buying their homes under Right to Buy coupled with a decline in the number of new council houses being built, as well as community ownership programmes whereby a council transfers either all or part of its housing stock and management function to RSLs.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced a range of new rights for tenants of housing associations and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in Scotland.

A new Housing Act passed in 2010, which safeguards social housing for future generations by reforming the Right to Buy and improving value for tenants and taxpayers by modernising social housing regulation.

Information relating to Local Housing Allowance and other rent-related matters can be found either on the LHA Direct website or in the Private Renting topics section.

Further information on housing statistics is available.

Page updated: Thursday, February 09, 2012