The National Outcomes that form part of the National Performance Framework (NPF) are currently being reviewed and proposed changes have been laid in Parliament.

The NPF currently outlines 11 National Outcomes that articulate the kind of country the Scottish Government would like Scotland to be, with a focus on improving the lives of people in Scotland. These outcomes are measured by a set of 81 National Indicators, to “understand if we are moving in the right direction towards them” as explained by the Scottish Government.

Among the proposed changes is a new National Outcome on housing that aims to ensure people “live in safe, high-quality and affordable homes that meet their needs”. The Outcome would underscore that secure, affordable, safe, and suitable housing is foundational to wellbeing through its impact on many other aspects of life.

Evidence was provided by housing organisations as well as various organisations including Crisis, Homeless Network Scotland, Shelter Scotland, Public Health Scotland and the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO).

It is also something campaigned strongly for by Homes for Scotland (HFS), which argued last year that introducing a new National Outcome for housing is vital if progress is to be made in providing enough homes for the people of Scotland.

At a time when five local authorities have declared housing emergencies and independent research has found that 28% of all Scottish households are in some form of housing need, the home building sector representative body has warmly welcomed the news.

HFS chief executive Jane Wood said: “I am delighted to see Housing being proposed as a standalone National Outcome following our ask during the consultation process. Recognising how foundational housing across all tenures is for everyone, this is a major step forward, not only for all of us representing the sector at this very challenging time but also, and more importantly, those desperately in need of a home.

“With the new leadership that is now in place, we look forward to working with government on integrating housing across directorates in recognition of its critical role in Scotland’s social wellbeing, economic success and transition to net zero.”