Opinion

This is the second in a series of blog posts reflecting on approaches to delivering alternative tenures in Scotland. In the first post, Professor Moira Munro reflects on some of the main points of discussion from a recent roundtable hosted by Shelter Scotland. In this post, the second in the series,

The UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) recently co-organised a roundtable with Shelter Scotland, SFHA, ALACHO, Scottish Futures Trust, and Rettie & Co., to discuss the role of alternative tenures (build-to-rent, mid-market rent, shared ownership) and delivery/funding models, an

Paul Nelis considers the value of having young people take control in their communities… why not! Maryhill Housing Association and YOMO took the bold step to enable young people to lead the PB process for Ruchill and Maryhill. The participatory budgeting (PB) event attracted lots of peop

Stephen Cowan, managing director of Yuill + Kyle, looks at summary warrants and the powers and effects they can have. What is a Summary Warrant?

In this new opinion piece, CIH Scotland’s national director Callum Chomczuk reflects on some of the Scottish findings from CIH’s UK Housing Review 2019. Wanting a home of your own is the most normal thing is the world. We can all relate to the desire to have a place to feel safe, secure

Relaxing green belt restrictions will make it easier for developers to build on green belt land, writes Colin Lavety, planning director with Barton Willmore. It is a controversial question, but should we be looking at ways of relaxing green belt restrictions to make it easier for developers to build

Caroline Gillespie reflects on the development of the law on domestic abuse as new legislation comes into force. The law on domestic abuse has changed in Scotland. The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 is now in force, creating a new crime of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour towards a part

A dispute about a demolished housing development in Midlothian has shown how a claim against consultants can be time barred before it is even known that there is a claim to be pursued. Is it time to change the law? The Scottish Government already has. It has passed the Prescription (Scotland) Act 20

As the Scottish Government launches a consultation on homelessness legislation, housing minister Kevin Stewart MSP issues a call for views from people with experience of homelessness, those working in local authorities and the wider homelessness and housing sector. Everyone should have a secure warm

Debbie King looks back on Shelter Scotland’s #HomeTruths debate last month.

Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS) offers to help the Scottish Government better understand the true costs of delivering planning reform and quality services in communities.

Planning Minister Kevin Stewart blogs about the need for Scottish Parliament to amend the Planning Bill to ensure it supports economic growth. The Financial Memorandum for the Planning Bill has been published. This sets out the estimates of the financial implications of the legislation as it st

The collapse of energy supplier Our Power sent a shockwave through the Scottish housing sector. Prop-tech entrepreneur Stephen Henesy of Helpthemove believes technology and utilities are still key to unlocking new revenue streams for housing associations looking to benefit their tenants. The failure

Every day Shelter Scotland fights for the right to safe, secure and affordable housing and to mark last week’s International Women’s Day, Aoife Deery took the opportunity to reflect on the work of the women, past and present, who have helped to improve housing for other women in Scotland

Neil Clapperton, CEO of Grampian Housing Association, reflects on the collapse of Our Power, the housing association-backed energy provider. Our Power was an amazing creature, a utility with a heart, an energy supplier that cared for those on the margins, households in fuel poverty. It was the brain