A high level of housing standard that meets our economic, social and environmental ambitions as a country is essential if we want a housing system that is truly sustainable.
That is the conclusion of a new report published to celebrate the 7th annual Scottish Housing Day. It sets out the case for new, more ambitious cross tenure housing standards but also notes the need for Government to have a key role in funding these new higher standards.
Informed by surveys and workshops attended by housing professionals and tenants, over 100 respondents fed into the determinations of the report and set out their vision for a new sustainable housing standard for Scotland.
Commenting on the report, CIH Scotland’s national director Callum Chomczuk said: “In its 20-year housing strategy, Housing to 2040, the Scottish Government set out a commitment to a new housing standard which will create a single set of quality and accessibility standards, no matter whether a home is owned or rented.
"Feedback from housing professionals and tenants in this new report shows that many are ambitious about the scope for a new standard and the transformative effect it could have on Scotland’s housing stock and its people.
"We are already making progress towards such a standard with the Heat in Buildings Strategy setting out new minimum requirements on EPC rating and work is ongoing on developing a shared understanding of affordability and reviewing Housing for Varying Needs.
“But we are yet to discuss what new space standards may look like, the principles that should underpin the standards and ultimately how will they be paid for. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to start to consider our collective ambitions for a new Housing Standard.”
The paper also notes how housing affordability is central to any concept of sustainability and reflects the requirement for investment in both new build and existing stock as we seek to meet net zero ambitions. There is a clear call for adequate financial support and advice so that people understand the most appropriate solutions for their home, regardless of housing type or tenure.
