SFHA Welcomes Launch of Housing Adaptations Review

The SFHA has welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government's' consultation on the future funding of housing adaptations..... for Registered Social Landlords.

The consultation follows highly contentious changes to adaptations funding made by the Scottish Government in April, which had been introduced with just 24 hours notice. Following campaigning from the SFHA and its members, the Scottish Government withdrew those changes and promised to consult with the sector about arrangements for adaptations funding for 2012-13 and beyond.

David Ogilvie, Policy and Strategy Manager at the SFHA said:

"The SFHA welcomes this important consultation on the future funding of housing adaptations, following representations from the SFHA and its member housing associations and co-operatives, many of whom are leading providers of housing for people with particular needs.

"Adapting people's houses so they can stay in them for longer is a textbook example of preventative spending - which in light of the recent Christie Commission report is clearly the future litmus test for public service provision.

"Housing adaptations are a cost-effective way of improving the quality of life of people with particular needs, such as the elderly and disabled, and avoiding needless and costly hospital admissions. During the consultation we will work constructively with government for a sensible, workable and properly-funded adaptations policy.

"This is an opportunity for different government policy areas - health and housing - to work together more effectively for the benefit of Scotland and the public purse."

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For further information, contact Press and Public Affairs Manager Claire Munro on t: 0141 567 6244 m: 07771 926778 or e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk

NOTES:

1) A copy of the consultation paper is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/access/adaptations

2) The SFHA was established in 1975 and has around 170 members providing affordable housing and wider community services in Scotland, as well as a further 200 commercial members. The SFHA is owned by its membership and exists to support the work of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland by providing services, advice and good practice guidance.

3) The SFHA is the voice of the principal builders and managers of new affordable housing for rent in Scotland. Housing Associations own and manage around 40% of the country's affordable rented housing stock, over a quarter of a million homes across Scotland.

4) Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.