HOUSING leaders have renewed a partnership after revealing the ‘huge successes’ it has delivered to Scotland’s market for affordable and accessible homes.
Since its launch in 2018 the partnership has seen Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) support and collaborate with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) helping its members to deliver £258.5 million worth of projects.
Now the two organisations have agreed to continue the partnership for another year, strengthening the connections which have already seen 70 housing associations bring 258 projects to fruition.
SPA is Scotland’s largest free-to-join procurement organisation. Its frameworks offer a route to market for the construction, refurbishment, consultancy and maintenance of social housing and public buildings.
Lesley Anderson, SPA director, said, “The success of this partnership is built on shared values. Both organisations understand the vital importance to Scotland of having a ready supply of high-quality, modern, accessible, and affordable homes for rent. We are proud that our frameworks serve housing associations so well, enabling them to find quality contractors efficiently and compliantly ensuring that new homes are built, and existing housing stock is maintained and upgraded.
“Beyond that, we have shown a huge commitment to giving back to the communities where these housing associations operate. Working hand in hand, we can amplify the impact of our individual efforts and create a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable future for communities.”
SPA’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF) sees surpluses invested back into Scottish communities, via its charity partner, Lintel Trust. Since 2017 the CBF has delivered more than £1.7 million of grants and match funding to 102 community groups, charities and causes.
Projects have included Holiday Hunger programmes, community gardens, digital and social inclusion, employability initiatives and specialist mental health services.
Sally Thomas, chief executive of SFHA, added, “I’m pleased to see this partnership renewed as many of our members have benefitted from advice, training, and best practice support from SPA, helping them to successfully procure vital services. Since the inception of SFHA’s partnership with SPA extensive work has been undertaken to make the procurement process simple and accessible for housing associations. In the context of ever tighter budgets, yet a need to deliver more affordable homes, it is encouraging that SPA’s frameworks can help members find the right contractors and get value for money.”
