George Walker, SHR Chair, today highlighted RSLs’ important role in addressing homelessness. He was speaking at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Chairs’ conference in Edinburgh.
George told delegates: “We all know how complex an issue homelessness is. And it’s not just a local authority issue. RSLs have a hugely important role to play, alongside a wide range of other agencies. I know that many RSLs have made significant contributions, working well with partner bodies. Effective partnership working between RSLs and councils is nowhere more important than on homelessness.”
George urged RSL Chairs to look at how their organisations can contribute, by maximising the number of lets they provide to people who are homeless. He also highlighted the importance of RSLs’ work that helps prevent homelessness and supports people to sustain their home when they get it.
George also shared with delegates some early thoughts on the new annual assurance statements, one of the key features of the new regulatory framework. He updated delegates on SHR’s work to capture lessons learned from the first round of assurance statements, and confirmed that SHR will publish a report, with lessons for landlords and for SHR, in March.
Notes to editors
- The Scottish Housing Regulator was established on 1 April 2011 under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010. Its objective is to safeguard and promote the interests of tenants and others who use local authority and RSL housing services. The Regulator operates independently of Scottish Ministers and is accountable directly to the Scottish Parliament. It assumed its full regulatory responsibilities on 1 April 2012. The Regulator consists of the Chair and eight Board members. More information about the Regulator can be found on its website at scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk
- SHR sets out how it regulates social landlords in its published framework – Regulation of Social Housing in Scotland.