Homes at the Heart – CIH Scotland publishes its manifesto for housing 2021-2026

CIH Scotland is calling for housing to be at the heart of Scotland’s social and economic recovery from coronavirus and to be prioritised within all party manifestos ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections next year. The CIH Scotland manifesto calls for commitment to a new target to deliver 53,000 affordable homes over the next parliamentary term as recommended by research published by CIH Scotland, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and Shelter Scotland in June.

The manifesto sets out priorities for the housing sector under five themes:

• Housing supply
• Improving existing homes
• Housing as a profession
• Partnership working
• Housing as a human right

Ashley Campbell  |  Policy and practice manager, CIH Scotland

This year has thrown up challenges that none of us could have imagined but while we continue to deal with immediate priorities, we also need to look ahead to shape the housing system we want to see in the future.

Building on feedback from our CIH Scotland board, members and other stakeholders as part of our consultation on Housing to 2040 and more recent work on the impact of coronavirus, this manifesto outlines a future where every person is able to realise their right to a safe, secure, affordable home that meets their needs. This means investing in new affordable homes, ensuring that our existing homes are energy efficient and fit for purpose, working more closely with partners in other sectors and making sure our workforce has the skills and support required to provide the very best quality homes and services.

Whatever the outcome of next year’s election is, we need to see cross party commitment to long term investment in the housing sector over the next five years and beyond.