THE Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has released its latest policy paper to address the ‘urgent’ need for housing ahead of the next Holyrood elections.
A year on from the Scottish Government’s declaration of a housing emergency, SFHA said that over a million people in Scotland live in social housing, yet there is a national waiting list of over 250,000.
Focusing on ‘Maintaining Tenancies and Preventing Homelessness’, the report explores how housing associations help tenants to stay healthily and happily in their homes and reduce waitlist pressures. It calls on the next Scottish Government to recognise this role. Actions SFHA wants to see include:
- Long-term tenancy sustainment support for housing associations, to fund activities that prevent people becoming homeless
- A new Scottish ‘last resort’ grant fund
- A review of funding for housing support
- Robust and properly funded mental health services
The report also highlights the growing complexity of tenants’ needs, particularly in relation to mental health support. SFHA added that poor mental health can lead to difficulties in managing a tenancy. This may result in repeat homelessness and growing waitlists, or in damage or deterioration of the property that delays the re-let process and increases pressure on housing supply.
Annabel Pidgeon, policy lead at SFHA, said, “Scotland is facing a housing and homelessness emergency that demands clarity and joined-up action between our sector and the Scottish Government. This report provides policymakers with a snapshot of the challenges and makes recommendations for enabling housing associations to continue to help people remain in their homes, avoid homelessness and thrive.
“Housing associations are working tirelessly to support tenants, but without the right investment and a long-term view, the system is under unsustainable pressure. If we want to prevent homelessness rather than just respond to it, we must prioritise support services and give our housing sector the confidence to meet diverse needs and plan for the future.”
The full report ‘Road to 2026: Maintaining tenancies and preventing homelessness’ can be viewed here.
