SFHA urges action on housing crisis at SNP Conference

Last week, SFHA spent time at the SNP conference in Edinburgh. We regularly take part in these events, run by political parties across the spectrum, to make sure politicians and party members understand the importance of housing associations and co-operatives. It’s a good opportunity to chat to senior politicians in a less formal setting, as well as to build relationships with newer elected members. 

This year, we chose to work with colleagues at Shelter Scotland to hold a fringe event on how we tackle the housing emergency. The Minister for Housing spoke alongside our CEO Sally Thomas, Cllr Alan Casey of Glasgow City Council and Alison Watson, Chief Executive at Shelter. We were pleased that Emma Roddick MSP, who’s spoken often of her own experience of homelessness, chaired the session.  

A packed and well-informed audience asked great questions about land ownership, budgets and future plans – it was clear there was real support in the room for more social homes.  

We made good use of our time at conference by meeting several other MSPs and journalists, encouraging them to speak to our members and learn more about their invaluable work. We’re always keen to connect MSPs and MPs with their local housing association – if you’d like us to help you with that, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.  

We also took the opportunity to raise the issue of delayed aids and adaptations awards with MSPs. Several members have contacted us about this – we know this is causing real difficulties and we’re on the case.  And if there’s anything else you want us to raise with politicians, then please let us know: we’re always here to help.