Opinion

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.

Mandy Catterall Government relations manager Mandy Catterall gives the Scottish Property Federation’s take on the coming changes in the planning system.

Scotland needs a planning system which nurtures growth and unlocks the potential of our people and places according to the Scottish Government. So what can we, or should we, expect from the draft planning bill which is expected to be introduced in the autumn, asks Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie’

Nicola Sturgeon First Minister Nicola Sturgeon encourages more people to take part in the Scottish Government’s Social Security Experience Panels.

Dr Beth Watts In the current political crisis-ridden, post-‘welfare reform’ context and given impressive changes to homelessness legislation elsewhere in the UK, Scotland’s claim to be a world-leader on homelessness may be weakening. Beth Watts identifies three areas where Scotland can raise i

Jimmy Black In sheltered housing you get a pendant to call the warden. Outside sheltered housing, you get telecare. Two very different things, bought by two very different departments, under two very different procurement regimes?