Opinion

Sam Lister As the build up to next month’s general election continues, CIH policy and practice officer Sam Lister takes a closer look at what we’re asking for on welfare policy – one of our key election priorities.

Phoenix Futures Scotland, a charity and housing association which has been helping people overcome drug and alcohol problems for more than 45 years, is developing new recovery housing schemes and looking for partners, writes Martin Adams. Closing this gap between substance misuse treatment and homel

Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick As the Homelessness Reduction Bill gains Royal Assent in England, Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick responds to its significance.

Social security minister Jeane Freeman on removing the involvement of the private sector in carrying out benefit assessments. Last week in the Scottish Parliament, I ruled out the use of private companies in assessing people for the benefits that will be delivered under Scotland’s new social secur

Susan McDonald HBJ Gateley’s Susan McDonald on the lessons learned from bond funding as a means to finance social housing associations.

By Conor Leyden, managing director of The LK Group Investing in new homes to help solve the housing crisis while dealing with government budget cuts is a balancing act that all Scottish local authorities are facing.

Alastair Keatinge Funding pressures in social care are taking charities into territory littered with pitfalls and challenges alike. Not only are they are under pressure from council funding cuts, they face rising wage costs and growing demand for services.

Lisa Glass Ever felt like you’re spending too much money keeping your home warm? Celebrated a win at reclaiming your deposit? Had a rant about your landlord? Looked for advice on your rights as a tenant? Struggled with a rent rise? Criticised the dispute resolution process? Praised your letting ag

Housing hustings in (clockwise from top left) Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh Shelter Scotland’s Fiona King said it is vital that upcoming local elections aren't overshadowed by the snap General Election.

Martin Armstrong The sector must renew its commitment to supporting people in hardship, says Wheatley Group chief executive Martin Armstrong.

Nora Uhrig details Shelter Scotland’s report into social sector evictions. We have got used to hearing over recent years about the problems facing families and households struggling to afford the essentials, the growth of foodbanks and having to choose between heating and eating. About how the imp

Professor Ken Gibb Professor Kenneth Gibb at the University of Glasgow discusses the new UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE).

Cyrenians CEO Ewan Aitken outlines his questions for candidates in the upcoming council elections. The news that we face a snap Westminster election fills me with, at best, mixed emotions. I relish the opportunity to challenge the philosophy which has brought us welfare reforms that are demonstrably

Daradjeet Jagpal The Scottish Government published a consultation document in December 2016, seeking views on whether the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) should be extended to Scottish registered social landlords (RSLs). Consultation responses have now been received, 73 of which h

Marian Reid As a new revised Scottish Social Housing Charter comes into force, CIH Scotland's deputy director Marian Reid blogs about the important new emphasis on tenant scrutiny.