SFHA calls for housing to be priority ahead of Programme for Government

SFHA has urged the First Minister to use the last Programme for Government of this parliamentary term to deliver legislation which will support housing associations and tenants.

The Programme for Government, where the Scottish Government sets out its legislative agenda for the year ahead, will be announced by the First Minister on Tuesday. It has been brought forward to May to allow a full parliamentary year to progress legislation before the 2026 Holyrood election.

Ahead of the First Minister's statement, SFHA has called on the Scottish Government to commit to a series of policies which will benefit housing associations and tenants.

Increasing Supply

With the UK Government expected to set out funding for affordable housing in England in the Spending Review in June, SFHA has called for any funding which results in this for Scotland to be reinvested into the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. 

Another measure the Scottish Government can take to increase the supply of affordable housing is for a greater allocation of Financial Transactions. On top of this, a consideration of a shift to below-interest rates on charitable bonds could help increase the supply of new affordable homes.

Housing Bill

The Housing Bill is also likely to feature in the Programme for Government, and SFHA has again asked the Scottish Government to exempt Mid-Market Rent from proposed Private Rented Sector rent controls in the Bill.

We note that the consultation on this issue has now opened, and we understand the Scottish Government's reasons for proceeding in this way, but we believe the sector cannot afford to wait for certainty.

Cladding 

SFHA is also calling for action too on helping members protect tenant safety. While we welcomed the recent renewed Scottish Government plan of action on cladding, it does not yet provide housing associations with a clear pathway to funding. Unless there is a shift in the government’s plans, there is a risk that the financial burden falls on social tenants. We need a clear approach which is fair to both homeowners and social housing tenants. 

Heat in Buildings Bill 

The Heat In Buildings Bill will also likely feature in the Programme for Government and SFHA has again called for clarity of energy standards and a level playing field for all forms of housing. This requires certainty on the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Standard, and on the funding that will be available after the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund ends next year. 

Housing associations need a significant and multi-year commitment if they are to continue the leading role of social housing in driving energy efficiency and reducing both carbon emissions and fuel bills. 

The Programme for Government will be announced on Tuesday 6 May.