The Wider Role Fund was developed in recognition that registered social landlords (RSLs) have always played an important part in regenerating communities and tackling social exclusion in Scotland. Providing quality, affordable housing that meets people's needs is an essential part of building strong, safe communities. Many RSLs have taken an active part in making lives better for their tenants and going beyond their role of improving, developing or managing housing. RSLs have a number of features which enable them to have a positive impact on their local communities. They:
- have strong links to their local communities and involve local people in their management boards
- have professional staff and are regulated
- are stable social enterprises, and have existed for a number of years; and
- own assets and have secure revenue streams.
RSLs are well placed to identify needs in their communities and have access to resources and expertise which enables them to take a lead in addressing problems in a sustainable way.
Wider role is not compulsory and it is for each RSL to decide which activities fit with their business development. Anything that an RSL does beyond their housing functions should be an integral part of their business strategy and should be for the benefit of their tenants.
Development of Wider Role Fund 2000-2008
Wider Role funding was first launched as a programme in its own right in 2000. A Wider Role Policy Statement was issued in 2003 which reaffirmed support for RSLs to play a full role in community regeneration. A further three years funding of £12m each year was allocated in the Scottish Spending Review of autumn 2007. This provides funding for Wider Role projects for the financial years 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11.
Following the abolition of Communities Scotland in 2008, the Wider Role Fund is now administered by the Wider Role Team in the Regeneration Division of the Scottish Government's Housing and Regeneration Directorate.
Sustainability of Wider Role Activity
The Wider Role Fund is expected to act as a catalyst for regeneration activity and not to fund projects in the long term. It can be used to fund a feasibility study, set up a service or deliver a programme which addresses a particular issue. It is not intended to fund mainstream services. This can often be a difficult area and issues related to the long-term sustainability of the activity will be considered at application stage. Wider Role funding is currently available until March 2011.