Scottish Housing Regulator publishes its new Regulatory Framework
SHR publishes new Regulatory Framework and statutory guidance for social landlords.
The Scottish Housing Regulator today published its new Regulatory Framework and statutory guidance for social landlords.
The new Framework will go live from 1 April 2019. It sets out how SHR will regulate social landlords in Scotland.
George Walker, the Scottish Housing Regulator’s Chair, said: “I am delighted to announce the publication of our new Regulatory Framework.
“We will continue to keep our focus on safeguarding and promoting the interests of tenants, people who are homeless, factored owners and gypsy/Travellers at the heart of our work.
“We will continue to empower tenants with easy-to-use information about their landlord, take action where we need to and promote a culture of assurance, openness and transparency.
“We will support landlords to get the assurance they need that their organisation is well-run and so delivers good outcomes for tenants, people who are homeless and others who use their services.
“Our new framework is the culmination of a yearlong discussion with tenants, landlords, representative bodies, funders and others. Thank you to everyone who responded to our consultation, discussion paper or come along to one of our events across the country. Your feedback helped shape the new framework and we’re grateful for your input.”
Alan Stokes, SFHA Policy Lead, said: “We welcome that the SHR has taken account of a number of points the we highlighted within our consultation response. Changes have been made to the wording of Regulatory Standards, Charter Indicators and Constitutional Standards, reflecting the views we expressed on behalf of our members.
“We are pleased that clarity has been provided on the status of advisory guidance – such as the SHR’s Business Planning Guidance – within the revised Framework.
“We also welcome that the SHR will delay the assessment of compliance against new requirements on equalities and human rights until April 2021, providing further time to develop sector specific guidance.
“In acknowledgement of the SFHA response, the SHR will also not make proposed changes to the submission date for Five Year Financial Projections until 2020.
“We look forward to working with the SHR in the production of its advisory tool kit and in the development of ongoing mechanisms for the SHR to meet with the sector. These were two of the key points we raised within our response, and these will be crucial in providing the necessary sector guidance to implement the new requirements and in enhancing a mutual understanding between the SHR and RSLs.
“SFHA will produce a separate briefing for members, summarising the key changes to the framework and next steps.”
If you have any questions relating to the new framework, please contact Alan Stokes astokes@sfha.co.uk
The new Regulatory Framework is available on the Regulator’s website at www.scottishhousingregulator.gsi.gov.uk