Speaking at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations chairs’ conference in Edinburgh, SHR chair George Walker recognised the contributions of RSLs in addressing homelessness and called on them to increase efforts.

Mr Walker told delegates: “We all know how complex an issue homelessness is. And it’s not just a local authority issue. RSLs have a hugely important role to play, alongside a wide range of other agencies.

“I know that many RSLs have made significant contributions, working well with partner bodies. Effective partnership working between RSLs and councils is nowhere more important than on homelessness.”

He urged RSL chairs to look at how their organisations can contribute, by maximising the number of lets they provide to people who are homeless.

Mr Walker also highlighted the importance of RSLs’ work that helps prevent homelessness and supports people to sustain their home when they get it.

He also shared with delegates, some early thoughts on the new annual assurance statements, one of the key features of the new regulatory framework. He updated delegates on SHR’s work to capture lessons learned from the first round of assurance statements, and confirmed that SHR will publish a report, with lessons for landlords and for SHR, in March.

Mr Walker’s speech is available in full here.