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1. INTRODUCTION
About this report
1.1 This report provides an analysis to the Scottish Government consultation "Investing in Affordable Housing". It gives a detailed analysis of each element of the consultation. It looks in detail at the responses to the consultation questions and provides an analysis of the views of particular groups, highlighting trends and issues where appropriate.
Background to the consultation
1.2 The consultation set out proposals for a more strategic approach to the allocation of subsidy through a network of Lead Developers across Scotland and sought views on the proposed mechanisms for introduction. The new approach aims to maximise efficiency in procurement and to promote the development of expertise within the RSL sector through setting up development consortia and recognising some RSLs as Lead Developers.
1.3 Under the proposals a number of local authority areas would be grouped together for investment planning purposes. Regional Prospectuses would be prepared that draw on local authorities' Strategic Housing Investment Plans ( SHIPs) and would specify local investment priorities. These would act as bidding documents for RSLs.
1.4 RSLs would be invited to apply to be Pre-Qualified so that they would be eligible to bid for grant and to lead consortia of developing associations. Those RSLs who gain recognition as Lead Developers would benefit from longer-term commitment for funding and have greater autonomy and flexibility in management and delivery of new affordable housing.
1.5 It was proposed that Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles would be excluded from the grouping of local authorities into regions for investment and the RSLs working in these areas would not be required to be pre-qualified. And Glasgow and Edinburgh would continue to manage investment under their existing arrangements on behalf of the Scottish Government.
1.6 The consultation paper was published on 9 December 2008 and the consultation period ended on 17 March 2009. It was publicised widely (both electronically and by letter) with a link to the relevant area in the Scottish Government's website. A full list of consultation recipients is given as Annex One. A total of 233 responses were received. A full list of respondents is given as Annex Two.
1.7 The consultation included 24 questions in relation to the proposals. Respondents were able to provide either an open response or complete the consultation questionnaire offering systematic responses to each of the consultation questions. At the end of the consultation questionnaire respondents had the opportunity to give general / additional comments.
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