News

In light of the announcement by the Scottish Government regarding the implementation date for Freedom of Information (FOI) applying to Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), Eileen Barr and Len Freedman outline the areas covered by the new regime. On 11 November 2019 all Scottish RSLs will become subje

The contribution of the Universal Credit rollout to an increase in food bank use has finally been conceded by work and pensions secretary Amber Rudd. Having long been disputed by successive ministers, the link between the flagship welfare reform, which has been plagued with delays, and food insecuri

Increased fuel costs are a real issue across the UK and an issue that affects us all. 300,000 more people in the UK in 2018 are now in fuel debt taking the total in fuel debt to a staggering 2.9million. This is largely due to continual tariff increases and changes to income. (Source: Energy Advice S

The Tenants Information Service (TIS) is delighted to invite entries across eight categories for the TIS National Excellence Awards 2019: Inspire to achieve, in association with the Scottish Government. The awards recognise and celebrate housing organisations, staff, volunteers, tenants, residents,

The head of Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has warned bureau managers of job losses in the wake of a £600,000 legal aid board funding cut. CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell said the proposed cut would lead to the loss of at least 25 staff in 15 bureaux across the country and thought the actua

Homes for Scotland chair Ken Gillespie has been named on an independent commission to advise on a 30-year strategy for infrastructure investment. The Infrastructure Commission, chaired by Ian Russell CBE, will provide independent, informed advice on the vision, ambition and priorities for infrastruc

Accessibility at sheltered housing complexes across Dundee could be improved if a tender is approved by councillors. Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services committee is being asked to allow spending of just over £31,000 to allow the installation of power assisted entry door openers

retailTRUST, a trade charity for people working in retail and the support services industries, is working with Clark Contracts to deliver a second phase of its major redevelopment of their well-loved retirement estate in Crookfur, Newton Mearns. This second phase of work involves the demolition of t

Charities, schools, community projects and good causes across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire could receive a share of £10,000 thanks to CALA Homes’ 2019 Community Bursary. Launched yesterday, the initiative aims to provide support for a wide range of organisations and projects within the com

Housing associations in Scotland will come under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act from November this year, the Scottish Government has announced. The move was outlined when an Order cited as the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Designation of Persons as Scottish Public Authorities) Or

Criminal offences relating to unlawful eviction – that have existed for half a century – are not being upheld, according to new findings. Writing for the SCOLAG Journal, Shaun McPhee presents the preliminary findings of research on enforcement in the Scottish private rented sector, in pa

Thirteen blocks of flats in Aberdeen are to be demolished due to long-running subsidence issues. Aberdeen City Council's city growth and resources committee accepted a recommendation from officers to demolish flats in Erroll Place and Erroll Street, near King Street.

A brand new affordable housing development in Aberfeldy has already won its first accolade after being granted a Secured by Design (SBD) Gold Award by Police Scotland. Secured by Design is a national police initiative that encourages developers to create new and refurbished housing projects with a v

Highland Council has published its proposals for a three-year budget as it faces the challenge of managing a £31.2 million budget gap for 2019-20. The local authority said its proposals focus on efficiencies, income generation, redesign and a flexible workforce, themes which emerged from weeks

Argyll and Bute Council will address a budget gap of £7.9 million when it meets to set its budget on February 21. The local authority said the Scottish Government’s funding allocation to the council means in effect another 1.6% reduction in funding for core services in 2019/20. This foll