Published by the Scottish Government, Housing to 2040 - Report on stakeholder engagement in 2018 followed an initial phase of stakeholder engagement in autumn 2018.

Issues raised included the need for improvements to existing housing stock, a recognition of the distinct needs of Scotland’s rural communities, and the putting of people and communities at the heart of planning.

Callum Chomczuk, national director of CIH Scotland, praised the recognition for housing investment beyond the current Parliament.

He said: “This update from the Scottish Government on its Housing to 2040 engagement process is welcome.

“There is a need for the sector and government to work together to build a long-term vision about how our homes and communities should look, and it is encouraging to see a clear timeline in place to develop a shared plan.”

Mr Chomczuk added: “New affordable housing plays a major role in reducing poverty, addressing health inequalities and growing the economy, and it is vital that investment in supply continues beyond this Parliament. We are currently commissioning research with Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) on what investment is needed after 2021 and will ensure that these findings feed into the review.

“We look forward to continuing to make the case that building the right number of homes in the right places is the best way to achieve Scotland’s social, economic and environmental objectives.”

In the report’s Ministerial Foreword, Aileen Campbell MSP, cabinet secretary for communities and local government, wrote: “The Scottish Government’s ambition is that everyone in Scotland should live in high quality energy efficient homes that are affordable and that meet their needs. We want to support our most disadvantaged communities and create great places that are sustainable and promote wellbeing. And we want this to be sustainable for the future.

“In our Programme for Government 2018-19, we committed to work on a vision for how our homes and communities should look and feel by 2040 and the options and choices to get there.

“This is a time to reimagine a housing system and create a vision for housing between now and 2040. To do that, we need to build on the wisdom across the wide and varied housing sector – tenants and residents, academics, councillors, councils, housing associations, third sector, landlords, lenders and house builders. And we need to hear from the whole of Scotland: rural, urban and island Scotland and communities of interest that face particular challenges when it comes to housing.

“Housing is embedded in so much that we want to achieve. It has a vital role to play in meeting many of our aspirations, including eradicating child poverty and homelessness, ending fuel poverty, tackling the effects of climate change and promoting inclusive growth.

“This is why we must ensure we have a housing system that works for us all, is dynamic and nimble enough to adapt to future changes and challenges and also anticipates those challenges and is resilient in the face of them.

“This document sets out what we have heard so far and what our next steps are. That includes the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning and I engaging with stakeholders and the public over the summer. I want to hear directly from communities across Scotland about what’s important for them, their children and grandchildren, when it comes to their future in Scotland.

“We need to challenge ourselves about what our vision is for housing in Scotland in 2040, and be ambitious in our aims. And we need to work together to ensure this is a shared vision for Scotland so that we can put a route map in place that will stand the test of time.

“This is an exciting opportunity for housing policy for Scotland and I want everyone to play their part in creating the homes and communities of 2040.

“I sincerely look forward to working with you and learning from you along the way.”