SCOTTISH SOCIAL HOUSING STANDARD
The Scottish Executive is committed to modernising all social rented housing stock in Scotland and to providing improved living conditions for tenants. The introduction of a Standard for all social housing will help ensure that houses are fit for the 21 st century, with a minimum set of quality standards for tenants of all social landlords.
We will consult with local authorities, Registered Social Landlords, tenants groups and others on the elements of the Standard. The development of the Standard will be linked with the work of the Housing Improvement Task Force. Local authorities will be expected to take account of the new Standard in the preparation of their Local Housing Strategies and investment plans
Transfers of housing to community ownership
Since the 1980's onwards, there have been transfers of council housing and Scottish Homes housing to not for profit landlords, such as community based housing associations. By developing 30-year business plans, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) are able to offer tenants much greater certainty about their houses being repaired and maintained to modern standards, and about future rent levels. Moreover, through membership of the new landlord's management committee and other mechanisms, tenants have much more involvement in the decisions affecting their homes and estates. Both council tenants and tenants of RSLs now have Scottish Secure Tenancy agreements. A transfer can proceed only if a majority of tenants voting in a secret ballot are in favour.
Through its community ownership budget, the Executive provides support to councils seeking to transfer all or some of their houses, where this represents value for money. Around 100,000 council tenants have transferred as a result of the 3 whole stock transfers in the Scottish Borders, Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway which took place in Spring 2003. Around £2 billion will now be invested in these houses over the next 10 years.
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