This year the day, held on September 16, is focusing on the value of social housing and making the case to decision makers about the need for social housing to be at the centre of our national recovery. As part of the day housing organisation are being asked to sign up as a supporter, arrange their own online event with tenants and customers and share their own story online about the importance of social housing.

In addition as part of activities organised throughout the day the Scottish Housing Day working group will launch a report setting out the value of social housing and there will be an online debate featuring Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for local government, housing and planning; Alison Watson, director of Shelter Scotland; and Leonora Montgomery, chair and secretary of Aberdeen’s Citywide Multi Storey Group.

The day is organised by CIH Scotland, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Shelter Scotland, the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO), the Tenant Participatory Advisory Service Scotland (TPAS), and the Scottish Government.

Commenting on this year’s Scottish Housing Day, the working group chair Callum Chomczuk said: “This year Scottish Housing Day will celebrate the difference social housing makes in communities the length and breadth of the country.

“The pandemic has shown how important a safe, warm affordable home is to every one of us and highlighted how social landlords across Scotland have gone above and beyond to support their tenants and communities during this time.

“As we approach a decision on the next affordable and social housing programme there has never been more important time for the housing sector to come together and make the case for more social housing.”