Regulator seeks input on Scottish housing goals.

The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) is currently seeking feedback from stakeholders on proposed changes to the Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) indicators. These indicators serve as a vital tool for social landlords to report their performance in meeting the standards and outcomes outlined in the Scottish Social Housing Charter.

One of the key changes being considered by the Regulator is the introduction of new indicators focused on tenant and resident safety. Specifically, there are plans to include indicators that will monitor landlords’ effectiveness in addressing issues such as damp and mould within the properties they manage. In addition to these new measures, the Regulator is also evaluating the relevance of existing ARC indicators and considering the removal of certain indicators that may no longer be necessary.

Michael Cameron, the chief executive of the SHR, emphasised the importance of gathering feedback from various stakeholders, particularly tenants, to ensure that the indicators accurately reflect their priorities. He expressed gratitude to those who have participated in discussions thus far, including tenant representatives and advisory groups that have contributed to shaping these proposals.

All interested parties, including tenants, landlords, and representative bodies, are invited to provide their feedback on the proposed ARC indicators and technical guidance by 8th November 2024. The Regulator aims to finalize the revised indicators by January 2025, in time for the collection year 2025/26. Until then, the existing ARC will remain in place for the 2024/25 collection year.

If you would like to participate in the consultation process and share your views on the future of social housing in Scotland, you can access the consultation document on the Regulator’s website.