THE Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has warned that the cost of resolving historic construction issues could heavily impact rent levels in the absence of government funding.
The organisation has urged the Scottish Government to deliver ‘fairer funding’ on building safety issues to ensure social rents remain affordable. In its latest policy paper, Keeping Our Homes Safe and Healthy, SFHA said the Scottish Government should also provide greater clarity on standards and regulations which may impact housing associations and tenants.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government announced that housing associations and co-operatives will be able to receive grant funding support for cladding remediation for the first time. SFHA has called for this to be extended to any other building safety issues which may be identified from the Single Building Assessments housing associations are carrying out as part of the Cladding Remediation Programme.
As part of the new Housing Act, the Scottish Government has committed to introduce Awaab’s Law in Scotland from next year. The law was introduced in England following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to exposure to damp and mould in a property provided by an English housing association. It requires social landlords to follow clear timescales for responding to hazards within the home including damp and mould.
SFHA said housing associations were fully supportive of action to eradicate damp and mould, adding that there should also be emphasis on tackling root causes such as structural defects, disrepair, and poverty. It said the legislation must also recognise the differing regulatory frameworks between Scotland and England and be implemented in a way which delivers the best outcomes for tenants.
SFHA policy manager Susie Fitton said, “Providing safe, healthy and affordable homes to tenants is paramount to all of Scotland’s housing associations and co-operatives which is why they invest significantly in repairs and maintenance each year. It’s essential that when historic building safety issues are identified that they can be resolved urgently and comprehensively without impacting tenants’ rents.
“This is why the Scottish Government must ensure funding is available to support housing associations in achieving this as it’s inherently unfair to expect social tenants to pay the price of construction industry oversights through higher rents. As well as funding, we need a policy and regulatory framework which works with the housing sector to ensure regulations are achievable and are implemented in the best interests of tenants.
“We also need to see reforms to Scotland’s tenement laws to ensure that improvement works housing associations wish to make to mixed-tenure buildings can be progressed upon agreement with other residents and owners. Keeping homes healthy and safe is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s crucial to helping tenants live well in their homes and their quality of life.”
