Thin Fare for Housing Associations in SNP Manifesto

"We welcome some of the plans announced today by the SNP. Overall however we are disappointed about the lack of specific measures to support the valuable work of housing associations and co-operatives across Scotland.

"We welcome the £50m Warm Homes Fund, though we would like to see it made a rolling, rather than one-off investment. Our members are well-placed to get involved in the proposed Community Jobs Fund. The SNP also identifies the need for more specialist housing, for example for the elderly and disabled.

"However, the SFHA is concerned by the lack of recognition of the essential development or community role played by housing associations across the country.

"Associations and co-operatives are the main developers of new affordable housing in Scotland, and manage and maintain half of Scotland's affordable housing stock.

"We would like to see commitments from the SNP to deal with the huge drop in new build by associations, due to a cut in government funding. We would also like to see a commitment reverse the changes in funding for housing adaptations, which were changed recently with no consultation with the sector.

"We look forward to clarifying what is intended by proposals to give associations 'freedom' to further develop renewable heat schemes."