SCOTTISH HOUSING MATTERS
NUMBER: 69 SPRING 2015
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF HOUSING SCOTLAND
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE WHO WERE THE WINNERS AT THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF SCOTTISH HOUSING?
TIME FOR A DEBATE ON SCOTTISH COUNCIL RENTS?/ MEET GERRY MORE – PRS CHAMPION / TIGH GRIAN VOLUMETRIC SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
Scottish Housing Matters | 1
IN ISSUE 69 Time for a debate on Scottish council rents?
CIH SCOTLAND EXCELLENCE AWARDS
10-11 INTRODUCING ANNIE MAUGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CIH NATIONAL BUSINESS UNITS 2015 WESTMINSTER ELECTIONS AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SCOTLAND AND HOUSING IN SCOTLAND HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE INTEGRATION – A HOUSING PERSPECTIVE SCOTLAND STANDS APART FROM ENGLAND ON HOMELESSNESS AND WAITING LISTS
12-15 5 6 8 16
UPDATE ON THE HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2014
18
GRAINIA LONG REFLECTS ON HER TIME AT CIH
19
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MALCOM SMITH AWARD WINNER ‘14
20-21
Tigh Grian volumetric sustainable housing
Meet Gerry More – PRS champion
24-25
36-37 CONTACT: If you are interested in
REGULATOR PUBLISHES ITS FIRST NATIONAL REPORT ON THE CHARTER MAKING THE STEP UP TO SCRUTINY
22 26
contributing an article, please contact editor Annie Mauger annie.mauger@cih.org or 0131 225 4544 ADVERTISE WITH US: To advertise in Scottish Housing Matters please contact John McClarey at john.mcclarey@cih.org or
HOUSING AND REGENERATION PROGRAMMES (HARP)
29
POLICY ROUND-UP
30
0131 225 4544 DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by contributors in Scottish Housing Matters are not necessarily those of the Chartered Institute of Housing or the editor and should
TRAINING & EDUCATION UPDATE
33
REFORM, RISK AND RESILIENCE
34
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE – SHARING THE LEARNING!
38
not be taken as representative of any of the above. CIH Scotland, 4th floor, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4AD 0131 225 4544 scotland.policy@cih.org
Scottish Housing Matters | 3
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR
Over the past few months however, I have been very encouraged by what the Scottish Government has initiated, getting all the major interests in housing in Scotland together to discuss a new joint housing delivery plan. While not yet complete it has the promise of improving the focus on resolving some of the deep seated problems facing the country, addressing the housing crisis being felt by so many today. However, no matter which UK Government is elected in May, the Board and staff of CIH in Scotland remain determined to push for solutions towards our ambition for a housing system which works for everyone.
WELCOME TO THIS SPRING ISSUE OF SCOTTISH HOUSING MATTERS I am writing this at the end of January, just after the announcement on the new powers to be devolved to Scotland. We in the housing world can look upon this as an opportunity to improve the way the UK and Scottish governments work together, with draft legislation which offers new powers and flexibility on welfare payments, including the bedroom tax and how universal credit is applied. There is however still much “devil in the detail” to ensure these new powers will improve the circumstances of the most vulnerable in our communities and a legislative process to go through to ensure they become real. It is also about half way between the results of the referendum and the next UK elections. This is a very “betwixt and between” time – with the election in May probably being the hardest to call in all our lifetimes. There are so many different potential outcomes (most of which are variations on a coalition theme), all having a significant bearing on what this could mean for housing and the services we all provide.
4 | Scottish Housing Matters
Our new executive director for the CIH national business units, Annie Mauger, has now joined us. Those of you attending the CIH Scotland Annual Conference will have the opportunity to meet her and all the CIH Scotland staff team in what promises to be a stimulating event as we discuss and debate the question “what will tomorrow bring?” I hope you enjoy reading the many varied articles in this edition. You will have noticed that the last Winter edition was sent out in digital format only. Your feedback on this approach is very welcome – let us know whether you like it and particularly if you can highlight how it can be improved in future. And finally, I look forward to seeing you in Glasgow at the annual conference in March. There is a great range of speakers, exhibitors and opportunities for you to be stimulated about good practice in all aspects of the work we do. Keith Anderson CIH Scotland chair
INTRODUCING ANNIE I’m delighted to be
Scotland, and then ran a regional government-funded
joining CIH and returning
body in Yorkshire that was also a charity. I then became
to Scotland. It’s a really
chief executive of a charity for asylum seekers and
exciting time, because the
refugees which really opened my eyes to issues of housing,
political changes create a
homelessness and destitution, which I care passionately
real opportunity to ensure
about. I have worked with the UK Government in policy
that the voice of housing
and lobbying for several years and look forward to
is heard loud and clear in
working with MSPs and officials at Holyrood.
policy formation. There has also been a lot of change for
My first priority will be learning more from colleagues
CIH and it’s my job to ensure that members in Scotland,
running organisations and on the frontline, so I can
Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland get
represent you better. I’m very much looking forward to
the best possible services.
working with the skilled team at CIH and building a great future for the profession in Scotland, Wales, Northern
I’m not from a housing background so I have a lot to learn.
Ireland the Republic of Ireland.
But I have been running a professional body across the UK and I understand the importance of promoting the value
I look forward to meeting many of you at CIH Scotland’s
of what members do and keeping a constant watch on
annual conference and visiting you soon.
changes in the wider environment that affect our working lives. We must ensure that our services continue to be
Annie Mauger
relevant and valuable and that we have a stronger voice by
Executive director, CIH national business units
attracting more people to be part of the CIH community. Previously I’ve worked in local authorities, mostly in
Scottish Housing Matters | 5
WRITTEN BY GAVIN SMART, INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CIH
WHAT WILL THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTION MEAN FOR SCOTLAND? Since the original devolution settlement housing policy in Scotland has taken its own unique form, reflecting the needs of Scottish housing and the priorities of Scottish political leaders. All the indications are that
– and rightly so. Anything else would not have made sense
this is going to be perhaps
in a devolved world.
the most hotly contested election for a generation,
There is no reason not to expect this pattern to continue.
with all the pollsters
Indeed the post-Smith Commission process suggests even
agreeing the result is too
greater freedom of action for Scottish political leaders and
close to call and a hung
policy makers across a wider palate of policy areas such
parliament the most likely
as welfare and taxation. And on that basis one could be
result. The precise final electoral arithmetic could produce
forgiven for dismissing the UK general election as irrelevant
some very different governments and perhaps some very
to housing in Scotland.
different policy choices. But, of course, that isn’t the whole picture. Decisions taken So on one level this is a critically important election, but
on English housing policy can have important consequential
with housing a devolved issue how much difference will all
implications for Scottish housing policy or the resources
of this make to housing and housing policy in Scotland?
available to it; for example the creation of the housing guarantee funds in England led to additional funding for
Scottish solutions for Scottish problems have resulted in
housing in Scotland and the availability of some additional
some very different approaches to homelessness, the right
equity finance (via Barnett consequentials). And despite
to buy, regulation and investment in local authority housing
increased financial freedoms the Scottish Government
6 | Scottish Housing Matters
looks set to continue to operate within an overall financial
So although Scotland enjoys much freedom in the detail
framework set by the UK Government, placing inevitable
of its housing policy choices some important levers remain
limitations on the amount of money available for housing.
out of reach and under the control of Westminster. For that reason alone the outcome of the UK general election will
Neither is regulation of banks and other financial
be of critical importance to the Scottish housing system
institutions devolved – they continue to operate under
and to Scottish housing professionals.
the regimes run by the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority. The recent Mortgage Market Review
So how should housing in Scotland respond? In my view
made important changes to the way in which households
it is crucial that we make our voices heard, to remind
and other buyers can access mortgage finance with all of
politicians that across the UK our housing systems are not
this happening under the watch of the non-devolved
working as we need them to. Too many people are unable
HM Treasury.
to access a home that is decent, affordable and suitable for their needs, and we don’t offer enough choice for people
The Scottish housing market and housing outcomes will
of different means at different stages in life. We should and
always be highly influenced by the general thrust of UK
we can do better. The 2015 general election provides us
economic policy and the decisions on fiscal policy by a Bank
with an important opportunity to remind politicians and the
of England whose mandate and targets continue to be set
electorate that good housing is important and achievable.
by the UK Government.
We must seize that opportunity in Scotland and in the rest of the UK.
Scottish Housing Matters | 7
WRITTEN BY KENNY SIMPSON, JIT ACTION GROUP MEMBER
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE INTEGRATION A HOUSING PERSPECTIVE In “Achieving sustainable quality in Scotland’s health care: a 20:20 vision”, published in 2011, the Scottish Government was explicit in its goal that everyone is able to “live longer healthier lives at home or in a homely setting”.
The government set out its aspiration in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014: “People including those with disabilities, long term conditions, or who are frail are able to live as far as reasonably practical independently at home or in a homely setting.”
8 | Scottish Housing Matters
The strategic commissioning plans guidance issued in
authority housing practitioners has shown that for a
December 2014 states:
minority of them it can be difficult to get a seat at the strategic planning table. However every respondent to
“The housing sector already makes a very significant
our survey (60% of councils replied) answered ‘yes’ to the
contribution to national outcomes on health and social
question about their awareness of the strategic planning
wellbeing. . . the integration of adult health and social care
process with the majority saying that they are directly
is recognised as bringing opportunities to strengthen the
involved in the process.
connection between housing and health and social care. . . to support the shift to prevention.”
The JIT survey also indicated that there is scope to have RSLs involved much more by utilising the existing local
Housing practitioners have long recognised the importance
housing partnership or local housing strategy forums.
of home or place in helping to ensure people’s health and
One respondent said that as RSLs are excluded for
wellbeing. We know that poor or inappropriate housing can
integration of adaptations funding then this could mean
lead to poor health. A recent Joint Improvement Team (JIT)
less engagement. Another council said that they are in
survey of local authority housing practitioners highlighted a
the process of recruiting RSL members onto the strategic
range of issues and needs that need wider consideration as
planning group.
the new health and social care partnerships are developing. Some of the results from the survey are included here.
When are the changes taking place?
Which housing functions are to be delegated?
The JIT survey told us that one third of partnerships are
From April 2016 a range of health and social care functions
planning to integrate council house and private sector
will be delegated to new integrated authorities. At least £7
adaptations. Twenty-five per cent of partnerships said that
billion of the current £12 billion spent on health and social
only the housing functions ‘must’ be integrated at this
care will be delegated to the new health and social
stage. Some councils are still working out what housing
care partnerships.
functions should be integrated, while others highlight concerns that these changes may have a detrimental
Health boards and local authorities will be working on
impact on an aids/adaptations service that currently works
their strategic commissioning plans this year with a view
very well. Some have indicated that they will be reviewing
to implementation starting no later than April 2016. These
whether other housing functions might be integrated over
plans will show how the new partnerships will deliver
time, and one stock transfer council says that homelessness
services and how they intend to work towards meeting the
functions will be integrated along with the other functions
nine national health and wellbeing outcomes.
that ‘must’ be integrated.
Strategic and locality planning
The challenge for all housing bodies will be to ensure that
The Act stipulates that non-commercial providers of
their commitment to contribute is effectively articulated,
housing should be involved in producing the plan. For
communicated and understood by the new integrated
registered social landlords (RSLs) who wish to engage
authorities.
and contribute during the planning process there should be an opportunity to be involved via the locality planning arrangements. Each authority should have a minimum of two locality planning groups. The JIT survey of local
Scottish Housing Matters | 9
WRITTEN BY JIM HAYTON – POLICY MANAGER ALACHO
TIME FOR A DEBATE ON SCOTTISH COUNCIL RENTS? Recently Scottish Housing Matters has explored the pressing (and related) issues of shortfalls in affordable housing provision and where additional resources might come from to increase supply. Several recent national studies (Audit Scotland, RICS) have done likewise. ALACHO has been keen to
plans and financial models. A key element of the study
contribute to this debate,
was to conduct a comparison of council rents with Scottish
and here I’d like to focus on
housing associations, English councils and the Scottish
a recent study funded and
private rented sector.
carried out for ALACHO by HouseMark Scotland, the
Not for the first time, the research noted the wide range
aim of which was to examine
of council rents in Scotland (£45 - £85 per week in 2013/14)
the extent of council financial capacity which might be
and the almost £1 billion income generated from 318,000
utilised to fund new social housing.
council homes. However the report also noted that, on average, council rents in Scotland are some way below the
This research made use of council focus groups and case studies, and examined a limited sample of council business
10 | Scottish Housing Matters
comparators listed above.
The main conclusions emerging from the research suggest that:
•
Councils do appear to have some financial capacity to increase supply
•
An average real terms weekly increase of £10 per week (pw), phased at £1pw over 10 years, could produce 24,000 new homes, or 40,000 new homes if matched with Scottish Government grant at the current rate of £30,000 per unit
•
To do so would only increase average debt per council house to around £12,700, approximately the borrowing cap for the least indebted region in England (the North West).
The Scottish Government has made it clear that there is no likelihood of additional capital grant for social housing in the foreseeable future. The housing sector will rightly continue to lobby strongly on this issue, but it seems clear that any short term increase in new council supply will need to be funded from councils’ own prudential borrowing, or not at all. The Scottish Housing Regulator has raised concerns recently about the extent to which housing association rents remain affordable to tenants. With a few notable exceptions, most council rents would still appear to fall well within the “affordable” category.
In summary
The research conclusions were never intended to be prescriptive, but rather to inform debate on potential sources of additional income to help fund new housing supply. In that spirit, there would certainly appear to be a prima
“It seems clear that any short term increase in new council supply will need to be funded from councils’ own prudential borrowing, or not at all. ”
facie case for a more rational rent structure for council rents in Scotland at local and national level, based not only on the business and asset management requirements of council stock, but also on the needs of those who do not yet have a home to call their own.
The need for a related debate on what exactly we mean by affordability is equally overdue. For a copy of the report visit ALACHO’s website at www.alacho.org.uk
Scottish Housing Matters | 11
CIH SCOTLAND EXCELLENCE AWARDS CIH Scotland’s annual excellence awards have become a highlight of the housing calendar in Scotland. This year they took place in outstanding surroundings at the Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, on 21 November, supported jointly by Dunedin Canmore and the Wheatley Group. It was the opportunity for housing professionals in Scotland
with some of the innovative projects in Scotland leading
to come together to celebrate what was described by CIH
the way for the sector. Ewan Gurr of the Trussell Trust
President, Steve Stride, as the ‘premiership of the
outlined the work of the CIH President’s chosen charity.
housing sector’.
Its network of UK food banks has given it access to many
The event was hosted by Jaco van Gass whose stellar list of achievements was enough to impress an audience
hard hitting real life stories which Ewan shared with the audience.
who themselves had an unrivalled pedigree in delivering
There was then the most important part of the evening –
the highest housing standards. CIH Scotland Chair Keith
the presentation of the Housing Excellence
Anderson and CIH President Steve Stride both highlighted
Awards 2014!
the commitment of the entrants and competition winners,
Bob Allan Young Achievers in Housing Award So much so her infectious personality, her gift of enthusiasm, the “can do” attitude and drive to do what is right for tenants also caught the eye of our partner organisations. The multi-agency nomination from DGHP, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Irvine HA, Home in Scotland and Loreburn HA is testament itself of how highly they all regard Evie both as a colleague but also in her professional capabilities. She has brought so much to DGHP and indeed the development of the Common Housing Register in Dumfries and Galloway. Jayne Moore, director of housing services said: “Very simply, it is a privilege to work with Evie and she is a worthy recipient of the award. I also think that the late Bob Allan would have approved!” WINNER – EVIE COPELAND, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
The other finalists were:
HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
•
Melissa Craig, Calvay
As a 23 year old graduate journalist, Evie came to work for DGHP as
•
Vikki Sayers, Horizon Housing
a part-time website assistant. Within a couple of months, it was clear that she possessed the qualities and attributes that make her a true ambassador for the housing profession.
12 | Scotland Housing Matters
Housing Association Association
Excellence Award in Developing Skills and Capacity Blackwood is immensely proud of this achievement and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who participated in the programme. Embracing innovative methods in communicating with one another across the business and listening to both staff and customers ensured it developed a programme that resulted in making a real difference both internally and externally. The learning and development culture within Blackwood has strengthened significantly over the past 18 months, providing a continuous cycle of learning for all involved. It is looking forward to shaping this programme to meet future organisational and sector requirements. WINNER: BLACKWOOD FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE CHANGE PROGRAMME Blackwood won this award because its leadership culture change programme has been hugely significant in shaping the future of its
The other finalists were:
•
Berwickshire Housing Association – Developing
•
Wheatley Group – Glasgow
organisation and its people’s ability to provide high quality services
People for Growth Housing Options
throughout Scotland.
Excellence Award in Sustainability The thermal deficiency, and constructional difficulties, of these blocks has been addressed by:
• •
installing district heating to each block
•
over-cladding the external walls with a rain screen, incorporating
replacing the windows with high quality aluminium framed windows, which have a U value of 1.4 W/m2K mineral wool insulation, so as to achieve a U value of 0.3 W/m2K
The success of the project was ensured by Aberdeen City Council pooling its grant income and making it available to further subsidise the private owners (many of which who are elderly and vulnerable) at public meetings, an open day, one-to-one meetings, and one-to-one WINNER: ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL - TACKLING FUEL POVERTY IN MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS IN ABERDEEN
negotiations. An older private owner recently wrote to the council to say:
This project addressed two distinct challenges: firstly the ownership of these blocks is shared between Aberdeen City Council and a number of private owners (94 privately owned flats, within a total of 388 flats) and secondly these blocks were hard to heat, due to their uneconomic and inefficient heating, and poor thermal insulation. The principal challenge of this project was to find a means of progressing the works, within blocks of mixed ownership, so as to eliminate fuel poverty.
‘’I just want to say how pleased I am that I went and got my heating and new windows done. The workmanship was very good. The men were excellent workers.’’ The other finalists were:
•
Irvine Housing Association -
•
Linstone Housing Association - Fuel The
Energy Improvement Works initiative Benefits project
Margaret Vass Excellence Award in Housing Management and Homelessness heart of the delivery at the frontline. The success of Housing Options can be attributed to the dedication of Pauline and Denise and their ability to do the right thing at the right time for the customer. They have brought Housing Options to life at the frontline! On a daily basis they work directly within a housing association or a frontline community casework team. Both demonstrate excellent and effective communication with the staff at various Housing Options locations and with the customer – achieving some fantastic customer outcomes and continuous improvement with the service.
WINNERS: PAULINE MCGARRY AND DENISE MURDOCH, WHEATLEY GROUP
The Housing Options message is spreading and they regularly give advice and assistance to colleagues not yet part of the programme.
Pauline and Denise have over 30 years experience at the frontline in housing and homelessness. In 2012, both were appointed into the Housing Options team to share their knowledge and experience in developing and building the Glasgow approach and then to be at the
Robina Goodlad Excellence Award For over eight years, Lizanne has worked tirelessly with Blackwood and Blackwood Foundation to bring innovative change and ideas to the organisation. Among other achievements, Lizanne publicly champions its online site ‘bespoken’, has mentored new staff and board members and works continuously within the community to improve the future for people with disabilities. Commenting on the award, Fanchea Kelly, chief executive of Blackwood said: “Blackwood is extremely pleased Lizanne has won this award. She is utterly selfless and incredibly modest and doesn’t realise just how inspirational she actually is.
WINNER: LIZANNE BURTON, BLACKWOOD BOARD MEMBER Blackwood was utterly delighted to see tenant board member, Lizanne Burton, pick up the prestigious CIH Robina Goodlad Excellence Award. This award recognises women who have made a significant contribution to housing within Scotland.
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“Blackwood is proud to have such a brilliant role model and can’t wait to see what Lizanne does next!”
Building Successful Communities Excellence Award in Regeneration The overall aim of this development was to establish a successful, sustainable community where a broad range of households are represented. The community had been involved in consultations and discussions prior to the decision being made to demolish the three multi storey blocks and this continued throughout the duration of the project. The local primary schools were involved in the creation of a new play park. A residents’ association, 21st Century Gracemount, was established in partnership with the council, tenants and private owners. The association meets regularly and have input into decisions taken about WINNERS: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL FOR GRACEMOUNT 21ST CENTURY HOMES DEVELOPMENT In 2006 The City of Edinburgh Council approved the decision to demolish three multi-story blocks each containing 82 homes in the Gracemount area of Edinburgh. Gracemount was to become Edinburgh Council’s first 21st Century Homes development and is made up of two phases. Cruden Homes was selected as the developer for the Gracemount project and undertook to build 215 new homes for council rent and
the management of the development. To the south west end of the development site is a Grade B listed Mansion House with adjoining walled garden and stable block which is owned by the council. Grow Stronger is a community led food growing initiative, which has been working in the walled garden. Project volunteers live in the new 21st Century Homes development and in the wider area. The walled garden is also used as a general social space helping the integration of the existing and new community. The other finalists were:
private sale.
•
Commonwealth Games Athletes Village –
Phase one, of 99 homes for rent
•
City of Edinburgh Council - Moredun Park
and sale is complete and Cruden
City Legacy & Hyvots Regeneration
Homes is now working on phase two, which is solely homes for sale.
CIH Scotland are very grateful to all our award sponsors
Scottish Housing Matters | 15
WRITTEN BY JOHN PERRY, POLICY ADVISER, CIH
SCOTLAND STANDS APART FROM ENGLAND ON HOMELESSNESS AND WAITING LISTS The UK Housing Review 2015, just published, once again points out the growing differences between Scotland and England when it comes to help for homeless people.
16 | Scottish Housing Matters
Since the wider eligibility rules took effect in Scotland, homelessness has been falling. In
England, homelessness has risen slightly over the same period, with more people losing private
rented accommodation because they are evicted or their tenancy ends.
There are also growing
service’, including setting targets to reduce
household being helped. England
contrary to the guidance which says that the formal
differences in the kinds of
has seen a decline in under-25s
being accepted as homeless, and
the proportion made up of single people is down to only 23 per cent.
In Scotland it is now much easier for single people to get accepted as homeless, and the proportion has
increased to 65 per cent. Crisis has recently criticised tougher ‘gatekeeping’ by English local authorities and contrasted this with the better prospects for single homeless people north of the border.
On the negative side, there is now evidence from Scotland as well as England on the ways in which
homelessness ‘prevention’ methods are suppressing applications. In England, prevention work increased by 13 per cent in the last year and two-thirds of
homelessness activity is now focused on prevention
rather than use of the statutory system. Scotland has
applications as their ‘principal performance measure’, and informal approaches should proceed in parallel. This means that it’s now ‘likely’ that there is under-
reporting of homelessness, as is strongly believed to be the case in England.
However, there are contrasting trends again when
it comes to the use of temporary accommodation.
In England, in 2010 councils met a target set by the last government to halve their use of temporary
accommodation. But since then its use has grown remorselessly, including a six per cent rise in the
past twelve months. Worst of all, there is growing
use of private lettings, including non-self-contained accommodation such as bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation. In Scotland, use of temporary
accommodation is starting to go down after rising for several years. By last June, it had fallen two per cent compared with the year before; use of B&B is also very limited.
only just started to monitor prevention work and the
Finally, clear differences are also emerging in the
the regulator has already pointed out that councils
reported by councils is 14 per cent lower now than at
first figures should be available later this year. But
have ‘changed the way they deliver the homelessness
use of waiting lists. In Scotland, the headline figure
its peak in 2009. In England, a fall is also occurring,
but for different reasons. Councils are
now able to restrict entry to their lists, and while some still have open lists
that continue to grow, others have cut numbers drastically. In London alone, three boroughs have cut their lists
by between 60 and 80 per cent. The UK Housing Review concludes that
waiting lists – never a very satisfactory
measure – are being rendered virtually useless as a guide to housing need, at least south of the border.
Scottish Housing Matters | 17
UPDATE ON THE HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2014
WRITTEN BY ASHLEY CAMPBELL, POLICY & PRACTICE OFFICER, CIH SCOTLAND
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 was passed last summer amid a fanfare of publicity – as of August 2016, the controversial right to buy will no longer be a feature of social housing policy in Scotland. The Act has received criticism from
The decision to apply a set of standards to the letting
some housing professionals for not
agent sector in Scotland sits alongside a wider Scottish
being radical enough, although the
Government focus on improvements in the private
end of right to buy along with some
rented sector, including the recent consultation reviewing
tinkering around the edges of social
the private sector tenancy regime, discussions around
housing allocations and discretionary
rent regulation and the imminent consultation on the
powers regarding anti-social
introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards for
behaviour have certainly gone some
the private sector. All of which may prompt the question, is
way to satiate the social sector’s appetite for change. But
the Scottish Government attempting to introduce too much
what’s in it for the private sector?
too quickly?
The most significant impact comes in the form of
While there are potential gains from increasing regulation
mandatory registration for all letting agents operating in
in the private rented sector, not least for tenants who
Scotland, accompanied by a code of practice to be in place
may feel that their rights have been overlooked in
by the end of 2016. Details of both are currently being
favour of private landlords for too long, opinions from
developed by the Scottish Government in partnership with
landlords, agents and their representatives remain divided.
a range of stakeholders, including CIH Scotland, but we can
There have been suggestions that overregulation could
expect the following:
force some landlords out of the sector and discourage
•
A national registration scheme managed by the
institutional investment. Others see the benefit of a system
Scottish government;
that roots out the poorer preforming landlords and agents
The potential for some form of training or qualification
but stress that this should not be at the expense of those
requirement for a letting agent to be entered onto the
who are already providing a good service. Whatever
register; and
your opinion, changes are on the way and the Scottish
A statutory code of practice with which failure to
Government faces a tough challenge in getting the
comply will be treated as an offence.
balance right.
•
•
18 | Scottish Housing Matters
“IT’S BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO WORK WITH CIH MEMBERS ACROSS SCOTLAND” As she moves on from housing, outgoing CIH chief executive Grainia Long says CIH Scotland members should be proud of the dynamic housing industry they have helped create. Scotland’s housing system has been the scene of much
The housing sector in Scotland is dynamic – it takes
of the most progressive change in the UK in the past
education, professional standards, and learning seriously,
two decades. I was fortunate to work in Scotland in the
and it shows. I’ve been impressed by, and felt privileged
early days of the Scottish Parliament, when remarkable
to work alongside my colleagues in CIH Scotland and with
legislation was passed that placed real value on the right to
CIH members across the sector. All eyes are on housing
a home, and removed conditionality from rights of access
professionals in Scotland as you build a progressive housing
to housing. I’m still proud of that work – and Scotland
system in a time of real change. The rest of the UK can
is rightly proud of the emphasis placed on housing by
learn much from you – I wish all CIH members the very best
successive governments since devolution. This is down, in
as you continue to thrive.
no small part, to the hard work of CIH members in making the case for housing. But equally, CIH members are not complacent – there remains much to do to ensure our housing system provides for everyone.
Scottish Housing Matters | 19
MALCOLM SMITH AWARD WINNER 2014 - SPOTLIGHT Graham Watters, West Dunbartonshire Council and Post-graduate Diploma in Housing Studies student, University of Glasgow What do you do? I have worked for West
Dunbartonshire Council for
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career to date? Recently, the whole process of working on the IHMS
over 13 years, currently within
project has been great. Producing a detailed IHMS
the housing, environmental
business case for our corporate management team, hosting
and economic development
workshops with staff and providing regular updates to
department. I’m a member
senior management have been welcome challenges. I also
of the housing strategy and
enjoy my job in tenant participation and find that helping
development team and at the moment I’m covering two
tenants and residents who want to make a difference to
positions - half of the week I am a tenant participation
their area is very satisfying. Winning the Malcolm Smith
assistant working closely with tenant groups and the other
Award has been a highlight and I’m looking forward to
half I am temporarily working as an integrated housing
gaining my university qualification in August.
management system (IHMS) officer developing a new IHMS across the service.
How did you start your housing career?
Why did you decide to study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Housing? Initially it was for career progression within housing
I was successful in applying for a post as tenant
because I enjoy working in the sector. Ideally I want to
participation admin assistant in 2003 which changed over
work as a strategy or performance officer. Since starting
the years to be a more generic performance assistant.
the housing course I’ve acquired a deeper appreciation of
I moved back to tenant participation in 2011 and was
housing and how it relates to the economy and UK/
appointed to my IHMS position in 2014.
Scottish Politics.
20 | Scottish Housing Matters
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying for a housing qualification?
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
At first I was very hesitant having never previously been
I’d be happy to continue working in a local authority role,
to university. After a reassuring discussion with Nigel
perhaps managing our integrated housing management
Sprigings, the course leader, I decided to enrol. Now I’ve
system - or I’ll be cycling around the world!
won this award so it was definitely the right choice. It has been a very rewarding experience with my general confidence and report writing, communication and research skills all improving. Glasgow University has been a great
I’m planning on continuing my education. Career wise,
What tips would you give to someone thinking about a career in housing?
Do it! I think it is a great time to be working in housing,
place to study. I found the lecturers supportive and
particularly with right to buy ending in 2016 and the
encouraging and the library facilities excellent. It’s been
potential for Scottish social housing stock to start growing
very helpful to have the opportunity to discuss, evaluate
for the first time in over 30 years. It is a very complex and
and compare different theoretical approaches and practice
challenging sector, but also very rewarding.
with other students.
CIH SCOTLAND FORTHCOMING EVENTS • Generation rent - 24 March, CIH Scotland office, Edinburgh • Anti-social behaviour – where do things currently stand? - 13 May, Glasgow Look out for these future events: • Income maximisation and rent arrears • Tenancy sustainment • Dealing with complex behaviours Keep an eye on www.cih.org/scotland for information on how to book, and stay in touch for details of the ever popular Housing Asset Management Conference on 8 September in Glasgow. Scottish Housing Matters | 21
WRITTEN BY CHRISTINE MACLEOD, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNANCE AND PERFORMANCE, SCOTTISH HOUSING REGULATOR (SHR)
REGULATOR PUBLISHES ITS FIRST NATIONAL REPORT ON THE CHARTER The findings of the Scottish Housing Regulator’s (SHR) analysis of the Charter returns submitted by social landlords will be launched in March. Delegates at CIH Scotland’s annual conference in March will have the first opportunity to hear the details and ask questions.
22 | Scottish Housing Matters
Among other things, the
Our analysis reveals that there are a number of performance
analysis reveals those areas
indicators with a strong correlation or link to tenant
of landlord performance
satisfaction which are particularly important to tenants.
that the Charter data suggests are most important
This evidence base and understanding will inform landlords,
to tenants in terms of
particularly those performing below the sector average
maximising and sustaining their overall satisfaction. The
for a range of indicators, where to prioritise resources and
Charter sets the standards and outcomes for all social
improvement activity to lift tenant satisfaction and move
housing landlords and it is our role to report on social
closer to achieving the Charter standards and outcomes.
landlords’ achievements by gathering and analysing data
To put it another way, getting performance right in these
from landlords across a range of performance indicators.
specific areas may have the biggest positive impact on
For the first time we have been able to directly compare
overall tenant satisfaction.
and assess both registered social landlords’ and local authorities’ performance across a consistent set of
This first national report on the Charter will also form a
standards and data from landlords’ first ever Charter return
baseline of evidence for future national reports, allowing
for the year to 31 March 2014.
us and landlords to analyse trends in future years and the extent to which landlords are making progress.
Tenants and their landlords now have direct access on our website to all the performance data submitted by all social
Read our first national report to find out those areas of
landlords and can use our comparison tool to select and
landlord performance that our analysis reveals are most
compare this data in any way they choose. So we did not
important to tenants in terms of maximising and sustaining
want to simply replicate the types of analysis and comparison
their overall satisfaction.
which most users can do themselves. Rather we decided, using statistical analysis, to examine the relationship between
www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk
tenant satisfaction and other areas of landlord performance. We have quantified for the first time the extent to which tenants value one area of landlord performance over another in relation to their overall satisfaction.
Scottish Housing Matters | 23
ADVERTORIAL
WRITTEN BY ROSE BROOKE, EVENTS MARKETING, TIGH GRIAN LTD
TIGH GRIAN BRINGS THE CONCEPT OF VOLUMETRIC SUSTAINABLE HOUSING TO CIH SCOTLAND’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE A project three years in the making, Tigh Grian will be bringing its sustainable housing product to the CIH Scotland Annual Housing Conference to demonstrate how easily its volumetric, resourceefficient dwellings slot into the future of housing.
24 | Scottish Housing Matters
The Tigh Grian two and three-bed units are designed to
Delegates will be encouraged to bring their questions
maximise energy and resource-efficiency in a comfortable,
and enquiries to the team on Tigh Grian’s stand (C69),
cheap-to-run modular dwelling. They are not only
while those on the study tour to the Ravenscraig site will
attractively designed, but fast to assemble and affordable
have ample opportunity to direct specific questions to the
to manage. Moreover, their construction leads to minimal
architect and BRE staff.
waste material, while also offering flexibility of design. For more information visit www.tighgrian.co.uk On-site at the event, visitors will be able to explore a single-bed unit, which will be partially furnished to allow those stepping inside the house to imagine life in a Tigh Grian property. In addition, an organised tour is scheduled to take place on day two of the event (Wednesday 11 March) at 9.30am, guiding delegates around the unit at the BRE Innovation Park, Ravenscraig, North Lanarkshire, which demonstrates how these volumetric units can take energyefficiency to its absolute limit, achieving net zero carbon emissions. The units on display at the CIH Scotland event and in Ravenscraig are the product of three years’ work from the multi-disciplinary Tigh Grian team, based in Edinburgh. It includes decades of specialist know-how of professionals experienced in land surveying, construction cost management, sustainable architecture and the inner workings of social housing financing in the form of Gordon Campbell, who holds numerous posts in the housing world and is a member of the CIH Scotland board.
Scottish Housing Matters | 25
The Challenges: Annual return on the Charter / Performance indicators / Value for money / Service improvement / Efficiency savings / ABERDEENSHIRE AND MORAY HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS Tenant scrutiny / Landlord report to tenants WRITTEN BY GLENN ADCOOK, AHP GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MAKING THE STEP Step Up and Join the Leaders! UP TO SCRUTINY Need to make sense of all of these challenges with your tenants and step up your performance?
Why not enrol your organisation in Stepping Up to Scrutiny, the Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership and Moray Housing Partnership national scrutiny training and learning programme 2013 to 2016, and lead the way in tenant driven performance improvement! (AHP/MHP) were invited to take part in the Scottish government’s For information on joining the programme contact the Stepping Up learning to Scrutiny team programme on 0131 225 4544 national scrutiny training and ‘stepping up to or email scotland.learn@cih.org scrutiny’ pilot phase in late 2013.
It became clear at an early stage that a significant level
•
It has galvanised and brought together AHP/MHP
of commitment was required to go through the training.
tenants who have formed a reconstituted registered
This caused some delays in getting started as the logistics
tenants’ organisation called MAHPTA (Moray
of organising joint training sessions involving tenants,
and Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership Tenants
governing body members and staff from all parts of the
Association). They have now set up a tenants’ scrutiny
two organisations was very challenging!
panel with clear terms of reference. •
The tenants involved in the early adopters programme
Fortunately, the commitment was there to overcome
are now empowered to give peer support to other
the practical hurdles of bringing together tenants from
tenants to enable them to challenge and hold AHP/
a very dispersed and rural geographical area and finding
MHP to account for performance. This is being
time slots and venues that were convenient to all. The
developed through recruitment of local tenants acting
training was delivered by a partnership of CIH Scotland
as a ‘village voice’.
and HouseMark Scotland and turned the uncertainty of the initial concept of scrutiny into something real
In addition, a wide range of staff (from the executive team
and meaningful.
to front line) have gained an in-depth understanding of tenant scrutiny and how tenants can be actively engaged in
After successfully completing the programme there have
reviewing performance against the Charter outcomes.
been a number of very positive outcomes for AHP/MHP: •
•
Taking part in the programme has raised awareness
MAHPTA has agreed a scrutiny programme for 2014/15:
of what can be achieved from a well structured tenant
•
Reactive repairs
engagement and scrutiny process.
•
Governance arrangements
It has helped embed a culture of enhanced
•
Condition of property when tenants move in (linked to
involvement and effective tenant scrutiny throughout the organisations, including within the governance arrangements.
26 | Scottish Housing Matters
lettable standards and void management) •
Management of rent arrears.
In conducting the repairs scrutiny process the scrutiny
and the staff team. Encouragingly, the panel has been
panel asked three questions about the response repairs
commended by the governing bodies for the commitment
service provided by AHP/MHP:
and considerable effort that has gone into the scrutiny
•
How good are the services?
exercise and the production of an excellent first
•
How well is the repairs service being managed?
outcome report.
•
Does the service meet the repairs and maintenance outcome/standard of the Scottish Social
All involved in the process have gained valuable experience
Housing Charter?
which will undoubtedly help future scrutiny projects.
In order to answer these questions the scrutiny panel: •
Spoke to tenants and staff at AHP and MHP
•
Saw and tested first-hand how well services were being
(Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership (AHP) and Moray Housing Partnership (MHP) came together in a constitutional arrangement in January 2013 and now form the core parts of the AHP Group)
delivered and how well AHP and MHP responds to its service users (by doing things like observing staff, sampling cases, mystery shopping, and phone surveys) •
Checked the key policies and publications and information for service users
•
Took account of the AHP Group self-assessment submission.
Response repairs is a demanding and complex service area to tackle for the first scrutiny project and this exercise resulted in important learning for both the scrutiny panel
MAHPTA Scrutiny panel present their first scrutiny report to senior AHP Group staff. Top l-r Colin Hawkins (AHP Group CEO) & Bill Robertson (Scrutiny Panel Chair). Bottom l-r Sylvia Stobbart (scrutiny panel member and report author) & Glenn Adcook (AHP Group Executive Director).
Stepping Up to Scrutiny – Find out more!
Over the past twelve months, CIH Scotland, in partnership with HouseMark Scotland, has continued to deliver the
The Challenges: Annual return on the Charter / Performance indicators / Value for money Thirteen organisations have already signed up to the programme with others waiting in the wings for a 2015 start. / Service improvement / Efficiency savings / Organisations participating to date range from smaller organisations working together, such as AHP and MHP to larger Tenant scrutiny / Landlord report to tenants Scottish Government funded three-year national scrutiny learning and training programme, ‘Stepping up to Scrutiny’.
local authorities such as North Ayrshire Council. Feedback so far shows that tenants, staff and Board members or
Step Up and Join the Leaders!
councillors have found the training thought provoking, challenging (at times!) and very discursive. Several tenants and staff from organisations which have completed the programme are now taking part in the CIH Level 3 Award in Resident Scrutiny, with others keen to sign up once they have completed the ‘Stepping Up to Scrutiny’ training. Need to make sense of all of these challenges with your tenants and step up your performance?
The Scottish Government funding is limited, so contact Mark Reid mark.reid@cih.org or Sarah Greally Why not enrol your organisation in Stepping Up to Scrutiny, the
sarah.greally@cih.org national to find out more, or call 0131 225 programme 4544 today2013 if you are interested in being scrutiny training and learning to 2016, and lead the way in tenant driven performance improvement! included in the programme. For information on joining the programme contact the Stepping Up to Scrutiny team on 0131 225 4544 or email scotland.learn@cih.org
Scottish Housing Matters | 27
The Challenges: Annual return on the Charter / Performance indicators / Value for money / Service improvement / Efficiency savings / Tenant scrutiny / Landlord report to tenants
Step Up and Join the Leaders! Need to make sense of all of these challenges with your tenants and step up your performance? Why not enrol your organisation in Stepping Up to Scrutiny, the national scrutiny training and learning programme 2013 to 2016, and lead the way in tenant driven performance improvement! For information on joining the programme contact the Stepping Up to Scrutiny team on 0131 225 4544 or email scotland.learn@cih.org
28 | Scottish Housing Matters
ADVERTORIAL
HOUSING AND REGENERATION PROGRAMMES (HARP) The Scottish Government Housing, Regeneration and Welfare Directorate is to introduce a new programme management and payments system to store consistent and accurate information across a range of housing and regeneration programmes. The new Housing and Regeneration Programmes (HARP)
entry and provide the ability to share information relevant
system is due to become operational around autumn 2015.
to users’ projects as part of ongoing
All funding applications and claims by Registered Social
programme management.
Landlords (RSL), local authorities and developers will be input directly onto the new system. As Strategic Housing
Recent stakeholder events took place in Scottish
Investment Plans (SHIPs) and Strategic Local Programme
Government locations in Glasgow and Inverness. These
Agreements (SLPAs) are an integral part of the operation
successful sessions outlined the vision and objectives of
of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) local
the HARP project; highlighting to attendees the process
authorities will be able to input this information directly
changes and benefits the new system will require and
onto the new fully integrated HARP system offering a clear,
enable, as well as providing first sight of an early prototype
strategic audit trail for all projects.
of the new system.
The new HARP system will be a web based platform which
More opportunities to engage and be involved in user
allows data to be captured and monitored. A further
testing will be provided to stakeholders, with details
essential feature of the system is a flexible reporting
contained within the HARP e-newsletter. These are
function; allowing users to build reports based on any
available on the Scottish Government website and are
element(s) of data captured relevant to their own business
designed to spread awareness of the new system as well as
areas/geography.
keeping local authorities, RSLs and other delivery partners up-to-date with the development of the system and
The system will be a live and consistent data source, which
key milestones.
is easy to access. It will also reduce duplication of data Scottish Housing Matters | 29
WRITTEN BY DAVID OGILVIE, HEAD OF POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, CIH SCOTLAND
POLICY ROUND UP Scottish Government Housing Conference/ Smith Commission report, draft Joint Housing Delivery Plan legislation and beyond The Scottish Government Housing Conference took place
The Smith Commission Report (http://bit.ly/15CkQMW)
on 18 November at Murrayfield and was very well attended
was published on 27 November. CIH Scotland produced
– you can read the briefing we issued before the event
a ‘Need To Know’ briefing (http://bit.ly/15Iu2zg) which
here: CIH briefing: realising a better housing system for
outlined the key housing impacts, most notably around
Scotland (http://bit.ly/1K3VPY7). At the event, over 300
welfare powers, taxation and energy. CIH Scotland broadly
delegates from across the housing sector discussed various
welcomed the Smith
issues in eight different work groups, generating key
Commission report
actions which will be included in the Joint Housing Delivery
(http://bit.ly/11xeJHE),
Plan for Scotland, which we expect to be published in
but there has been a
April 2015. Along with other key housing stakeholder
range of reactions to
organisations, CIH Scotland will be involved in the delivery
the report from across
of the Joint Housing Delivery Plan which is set to restate
the housing sector.
and redefine existing strategic objectives for housing
In light of the report,
in Scotland.
several Scottish civil society organisations, including SFHA, wrote an open letter to Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, Iain
30 | Scottish Housing Matters
Duncan Smith MP (http://bit.ly/1tZFguN) asking the UK Government to suspend Universal Credit implementation in Scotland, until the process of legislating for new powers for the Scottish Parliament is complete. Following the publication of the Smith Commission report in November, some 44 draft legislative clauses (http://bit. ly/1JGR5cz) were published on 22 January, of which those relating to welfare and taxation are understandably of greatest interest to the housing sector. The extent to which these legislative clauses honour the ‘vow’ made by party leaders in the run up to the referendum in September has been hotly contested. There is particular disagreement over whether the welfare powers clauses will deliver the desired competency to Scotland to effectively eliminate the so-called ‘bedroom tax’, and whether the draft legislative clauses in their current guise will effectively maintain a Whitehall veto over key aspects of policy in Scotland. Our initial comments on the draft clauses are here: (http://bit.ly/15CHPYK). A fuller briefing for members will be available soon, but amid all the debate, it is clear there is still a distance to travel before the draft clauses will represent real change for the Scottish housing sector.
Private Rented Sector
The Scottish Government recently consulted on a new tenancy for the private rented sector (http://bit. ly/1vJJHWm). In our response (http://bit.ly/1Cg5wmZ) we welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to review the tenancy regime in the private rented sector, but we noted that any new tenancy must balance the needs of landlords and tenants – allowing greater security for families and households that plan on living in the sector over the long term, but also allowing flexibility for those who might need to move within the sector such as students and those working on short term contracts.
CIH Scotland, HouseMark Scotland and Wheatley Group research on Value for Money A new project exploring the Value for Money (VFM)
agenda in a Scottish context has been launched (http:// bit.ly/18ugQj5) by Wheatley Group, CIH Scotland and HouseMark Scotland. The aim of the project is to produce a report providing practical advice on how to get a grip on VFM. This is due to be published in summer 2015. The intention is to shape it around the Scottish social housing experience, and grant stakeholders an opportunity to put a distinctly Scottish slant on VFM. It is intended that we will launch this report at the CIH annual conference in Manchester in June. Book your place at cihhousing.com
Housing Associations and Freedom of Information
Should housing associations be held liable to Freedom of Information provisions? It’s a thorny debate that has once again returned in light of a petition PE01539 (http:// bit.ly/1wAQn7S) laid before Holyrood’s Public Petitions Committee recently – you can read the CIH submission here (http://bit.ly/1yx4vQ5). Meanwhile the Scottish Information Commissioner has joined the debate, laying a Special Report before the Scottish Parliament titled “FOI 10 years on: Are the right organisations covered?” (http:// bit.ly/15Iwfe4) which strongly recommends the Scottish Government considers, as a matter of urgency, whether registered social landlords should be made subject to FOI law.
Homelessness prevented for half of approaches Scottish local authorities were able to prevent
homelessness from occurring for half of households approaching their Housing Options services. For the first time, Scotland’s Chief Statistician has released information on Housing Options in Scotland (http://bit.ly/1tq5GVG), covering the period April to September 2014. Where contact was maintained with households and an outcome
Scottish Housing Matters | 31
was recorded, only half of approaches resulted in the
•
52,400 applications were made to the Scottish Welfare
household making a homelessness application. A quarter
Fund, an increase of 33 per cent on the same quarter
remained in their current accommodation and a further
last year;
quarter found alternative accommodation. In total, local
•
25,800 Crisis Grants were awarded, 32 per cent
authorities received nearly 27,000 approaches to their
more than the same quarter last year. These were
housing option services, from 25,000 households. The most
predominantly for food, heating costs and other living
common activities undertaken were providing general
expenses, with an average award value of just over
housing advice, information and assistance and informing
£70;
households of their rights under the homelessness legislation.
Scottish Welfare Fund: increasing number of households receiving help
•
11,200 Community Care Grants were awarded, 51 per cent more than the same quarter last year. These were predominantly for home furnishings and white goods, with an average value of just under £600.
The number of households applying for welfare assistance has risen by a third in the last year, according to new
Please note: an online digital
statistics. Scottish Welfare Fund Statistics (http://bit.
version of this magazine is
ly/1EPpxix) to 30 September 2014 show that during the
available to read at www.cih.
most recent quarter (July to September 2014):
org/scotland
32 | Scottish Housing Matters
TRAINING & EDUCATION UPDATE What can we do for you?
Let’s work together Are you an experienced trainer with a great idea for specialist training for housing practitioners? Or a housing professional who has designed or delivered training for colleagues but would like to increase your training experience as part of your professional development? If you would like to discuss working with CIH Scotland in
We are continuously reviewing and refreshing our learning
delivering our training and learning programmes contact
and development services based on feedback from the
our service development manager Mark Reid on 0131 225
industry, changes in legislation and regulations and the
4544 for an informal chat or email mark.reid@cih.org
working context and practices of housing professionals. Our open programme of training courses and qualifications
To make an enquiry or book on these courses please visit
and a guide to the full range of learning topics that we can
www.cih.org/scotland, email scotland.contact@cih.org or
deliver in-house to your organisation.
call us on 0131 225 4544.
We particularly welcome your views and suggestions
Information on our July – December 2015 programme will
on what you want to see featured on our training and
be out soon – keep an eye on www.cih.org/scotland for the
qualification programmes. Please contact us with your
latest updates, where you can also download our guide to
suggestions by phoning 0131 225 4544 or by emailing
the full range of learning services CIH Scotland can deliver
scotland.contact@cih.org
for your organisation.
BE BRILLIANT WITH CIH SCOTLAND QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING! Our current qualification and training courses:
Qualification/Training Course
Date
Where
Housing Law - Allocations Frontline Futures: Leading the Frontline Estate Management
6 May 12 May 13 May
Edinburgh Glasgow Glasgow
CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice Repairs Reporting Skills Customer care for difficult situations
Home Owner Housing Panel Part I & II Enhancing Service User Engagement in Designing and Improving Services in Housing Housing Law – Homelessness Frontline Futures: Coaching the Frontline Improving Tenancy Sustainment
19 March 1 April 29 April
27 May 9 June
16 June 17 June 23 June
Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh
Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Glasgow Edinburgh
Scottish Housing Matters | 33
WRITTEN BY PROFESSOR KEN GIBB AND TONY MCLAUGHLIN
REFORM, RISK AND RESILIENCE “We are all risk managers now” was a key impression from a new research study into reform, risk and resilience carried out at the University of Glasgow. The research came about through a shared desire by Policy
A dominant aspect of the research was the diversity
Scotland at the university and Wheatley Group, Scotland’s
fundamental to the Scottish social housing sector. This
leading housing, care and regeneration organisation, to
relates both to the scale and type of provider, their
stimulate debate about the future of the sector.
perceptions of the concepts of risk and resilience, and strategic approaches they pursue in order to manage risk
The research – “Reform, Risk and Resilience – Diversity
and be resilient in their operations.
and Consensus in Scottish Social Housing” - builds on a groundswell of analysis that concludes the environment
The project found risk management is at the forefront of
confronting Scottish social housing providers has changed.
sector thinking. Risk was commonly perceived in terms
This was evident in the ‘New Times, New Business’ project,
of the poverty faced by tenants. Respondents in some
led by the Centre for Housing Research at St Andrews
cases also argued that a key risk for the sector is being
University, Audit Scotland’s Sector Review from 2013 and,
excessively risk averse.
more recently, in the CIH’s ‘Frontline Futures’ work and the RICS Scotland Commission.
The most commonly discussed area of risk was the ongoing climate of austerity and reduced housing subsidy. Related
The project was guided by a sector-wide steering group.
to this, and despite the Smith Commission proposals,
While the group examined academic approaches to the
welfare reform represents a key risk to the sector. Other
concepts of risk and resilience, the project was primarily
risks found by the research were political uncertainty, long
a ‘people’ project that sought to engage social housing
term private finance changes, demographic change and
organisations across Scotland. This focus on empirical
related changing demand, the growth of the private rented
research was evident in four diverse case studies. These
sector, funding pensions and succession planning (relating
included a Highlands-based RSL with a commercial
specifically to RSLs) and in-work poverty.
subsidiary, a community-based RSL operating from a peripheral estate in Glasgow, a local authority landlord and
Discussions on resilience mirrored the risks facing the
a large group structure housing organisation.
sector. Key aspects of resilient housing organisations were a focus on (and frequent review of) strategic goals and purpose, displaying organisational flexibility
34 | Scottish Housing Matters
and responsiveness, a focus on customer and market
A full report ‘Reform, Resilience and Risk: Social Housing
intelligence, having appropriate good governance and
in Scotland’ by Kenneth Gibb, Des McNulty and Tony
seeking to embed the culture of a learning, reflective
McLaughlin, along with an executive summary are available
organisation.
from Policy Scotland at the University of Glasgow [http://policyscotland.gla.ac.uk]
The interesting thing was the diversity of approaches which different organisations took to achieving resilience.
Professor Ken Gibb,
Different kinds of providers, variable risks and the demands
University of Glasgow and
of specific stakeholders make it a difficult task to arrive
Director of Policy Scotland
at concrete conclusions about what a risk-aware, resilient housing organisation looks like. The report instead focused on a number of key reflections that stressed the critical role of context and path dependency. The research subjects expressed different visions of the role of the modern Scottish social housing provider. In some cases they emphasised the importance of taking a holistic approach to their customers. Others, however,
Tony McLaughlin, Research and Policy Officer, Wheatley Group
argued that “we blur the role at our peril” and social providers should largely focus on core landlord functions. This led the report authors to pose a question begged throughout the study in the 21st century in Scotland: who is social housing for and what is the strategic purpose? We hope to hear some discussion on these fundamental questions at our session at the CIH Scotland conference in March. Scottish Housing Matters | 35
WRITTEN BY GERRY MORE, PRS CHAMPION, HOMES FOR SCOTLAND
THE PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR CHALLENGE AND ITS CHAMPION Private rented sector “champion” Gerry More shares details of his Scottish Government-funded role which aims to expand the capacity of this growing tenure by attracting new sources of capital. With 465,000 new homes
This rapid growth has brought both challenge and
required by 2035, Scotland is a
opportunity with respect to meeting demand and
country with urgent yet diverse
professional management of the sector.
housing needs. Recognising that targeting pension funds and other As home building slumped
institutions could help deliver new, high quality, sustainable
and mortgage lending grew
homes for rent at significant scale, supporting jobs and
increasingly constrained in the
stimulating activity in the home building sector along the
wake of the economic downturn, the private rented sector
way, trade body Homes for Scotland initiated a major
(PRS) has become increasingly important over the past few
research project in 2013 aimed at identifying this type of
years with more people turning to the rental market to
investor, understanding their needs and developing an
solve their accommodation needs. In fact, Scotland’s PRS
approach to attract them to the Scottish residential market.
has more than doubled in size since 1999 and is projected to grow further.
The research was conducted by world-renowned experts in housing finance from the Cambridge Centre for Housing &
36 | Scottish Housing Matters
Planning Research and LSE London. The appointment of a dedicated PRS champion to take the findings forward and help achieve a balanced tenure mix was a key recommendation of the final report. My responsibility is to drive initiatives to enable potentially viable projects to deliver new private rented housing. Since being appointed to this role in October last year, one of my main areas of focus has been proactively engaging with the wide range stakeholders involved in helping to achieve this, including builders, developers, financial institutions, property management and service providers, housing associations, trade bodies, local government and the Scottish Government. Supporting my role as PRS champion and assisting delivery of strategic growth, a special PRS working party has now also been established comprising representatives from these stakeholder groups. The working party has set up three specialist subgroups working together with the collective aim of identifying and monitoring blockages that are holding back development and institutional involvement, recommending how these could be overcome, and informing government
With the legacy of the PRS champion focused on tackling the current market failings facing this tenure by increasing awareness of investment opportunities and ultimately
about mechanisms and interventions to be employed.
delivering large-scale, long-term institutional investment,
Good progress is being made on a number of key
And with government backing and local authority support,
agenda items. For example, one of the first tasks of the working party’s sub-group on regulation and tenancy was formulating a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on tenancy reform. We urged that change be implemented in a timely manner in order to minimise any period of uncertainty for tenants, landlords and investors as well as on a proportional basis which doesn’t use heavy handed regulation designed solely to stop the bad practice of a few. Other areas we are tackling include establishing a new PRS index to benchmark performance and identifying planning stimuli.
the foundations of this critical project are now being laid. we believe that institutions will invest long-term in a professionalised Scottish PRS. Ultimately, success will be measured by the benefits such significant new investment brings to Scotland. The benefits of an increase in economic activity and the creation of jobs by building much needed new rental homes to some of the highest technical standards in Europe will further result in lower fuel bills and better living standards for our growing population. To contact Gerry in his capacity as PRS champion, email: prschampion@homesforscotland.com
Scottish Housing Matters | 37
ADVERTORIAL
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE – SHARING THE LEARNING!
WRITTEN BY LYNN WASSELL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE , PARTICK HOUSING ASSOCIATION
At the end of 2014 Lynn attended the Social Enterprise World Forum in Seoul, Korea and a study tour in Shanghai, arranged by Community Enterprise in Scotland. The conference in Seoul was attended by over 1,000 delegates. Social enterprise can bring another dimension to the economy and make a real difference to peoples’ lives. The question is how we can ‘shift the paradigm’ more towards social enterprise as a business model and use social value as a measurement of success so it becomes the currency of the business? What role can it play as provider of public services? Scottish policy is ahead in this field and can share learning Yvonne Strachan, Head of Equality, Human Rights and
and experience world wide including with South Korea and
Third Sector, Scottish Government set out the Scottish
China, where social enterprise is still in its infancy. Social
Government’s strategy and role as enabler in social
enterprise is also a topical issue for housing associations,
enterprise, supported by its £33m social investment fund
as they raise awareness of their role as community anchors
and new investment of £16.6m in the Social Growth Fund.
and with their social impact across Scotland.
Lynn visited a diverse range of social enterprise businesses
Lynn’s sponsors were her employer
on her visit and brought back learning to support business
Partick Housing Association and
development in her own organisation and River Clyde
River Clyde Homes.
Homes (where she is chair of the board). The study programme gave insights into the social enterprise and cultural and economic conditions in Korea and China. It also helped build valuable relationships between participants from various nations. 38 | Scottish Housing Matters
LOOK WHO’S COMING TO HOUSING 2015 Join over 8,000 housing professionals to discuss the ‘big issues’ that everyone will be talking about. Speakers include:
Cathy Newman, Political Correspondent, Channel 4 News
Alex Lowe, Industry Head, Google
Dr Gerard Lyons, Chief Economic Adviser, Mayor of London
Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor, The Spectator
Alex Hilton, Director, Generation Rent
Duncan Weldon, Economic Correspondent, Newsnight
FULL PROGRAMME IS NOW LIVE. VISIT WWW.CIHHOUSING.COM TO VIEW
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GET A CAREER BOOST WITH THE BUTLER BURSARY SCHEME Are you looking for financial support to develop your career in housing and achieve your aspirations? Apply now for the 2015 Butler Bursary scheme. You can get support for a wide range of Chartered Institute of Housing qualifications and courses, UK and international research projects and more to fast-track your professional development. To find out more; including eligibility criteria and how to apply visit www.cih.org/butlerbursary. The closing date for applications is 12pm Tuesday 7 April 2015. 40 | Scottish Housing Matters