Dear Editor,

The results of a newly published major independent study of the impact of housing association Eildon Group on the Scottish Borders economy underlines the huge benefits the housing sector brings to local economies throughout Scotland. It found that Eildon group underpins around 250 jobs in the region and generates around £13 million each year for the local economy.

The report also validates the prominence given to housing issues during the current Scottish election campaign. At the same time, with budgets under continuing pressure, these are challenging times for Scottish housing providers, bringing the issue of value for money to the fore.

The challenge many organisations now face is to achieve a step change in efficiency in service delivery. In order to drive the innovation required, measuring and benchmarking costs and performance have never been more important.

The housing sector should take confidence from the Eildon Group study that its impact on the wider economy is substantial and important. However, it should also be inspired to continue to innovate and seek out new ways of working so as to ensure that this continues to be the case in the years ahead.

Yours faithfully,

Kirsty Wells

Head of HouseMark Scotland