CIH Scotland seeks feedback on Housing Bill.

CIH Scotland Responds to Scottish Parliament’s Call for Views on Housing (Scotland) Bill

CIH Scotland has expressed its approval of the domestic abuse and homelessness prevention provisions outlined in the proposed new Housing (Scotland) Bill. However, the organisation has raised concerns regarding the implementation of these measures.

The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, as well as the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, recently conducted a public consultation on the Housing (Scotland) Bill. Additionally, the Finance and Public Administration Committee has sought feedback on the Financial Memorandum accompanying the Bill.

The Bill consists of six primary parts, covering areas such as rent control, eviction procedures, tenant rights, and homelessness prevention. It aims to introduce measures that enhance tenant protections, prevent homelessness, and promote sustainable housing solutions.

In response to the consultation, Ashley Campbell, CIH Scotland’s policy and practice manager, stated, “We appreciate the opportunity to provide input on the new Housing (Scotland) Bill and are generally supportive of its principles. While we acknowledge the importance of addressing affordability issues in the private rented sector, we have reservations about the potential impact of proposed rent control measures. There is a risk that such measures could lead to increased uncertainty, prompting landlords to exit the sector and hindering new supply investments.”

“Our members are inclined towards the proposed introduction of a new homelessness prevention duty, recognizing the potential for formal partnerships to be established. However, the lack of clarity on the operational aspects of the ‘ask and act’ duty is concerning. There is a possibility that this duty may merely serve as a referral pathway to already under-resourced local authority homelessness services.”

“We also express significant concerns about the resources that will be necessary to effectively implement the measures outlined in the Bill. Without adequate resources, the proposed measures may not result in positive outcomes. In fact, there is a risk that if rent control measures cause a reduction in residential supply, the Bill could exacerbate the current housing crisis.”

CIH Scotland highlighted its extensive collaboration with members during the Bill’s development process to ensure that their insights and expertise are considered. The organisation facilitated a series of roundtable discussions and online surveys to gather feedback.