SLE: ‘Rapidly closing’ window of opportunity to address rural housing shortage

Scottish Land & Estates, whose members provide around 13,000 affordable homes for rent in rural Scotland, said today its members are fully committed to meeting “formidable” challenges and are urging Scottish government to “urgently take on board” the views of people who are in the front line trying to resolve an unfolding crisis.

Scottish Land & Estates gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee this week and members held a roundtable discussion with Housing Minister, Paul McLennan at Dupplin Estate in Perthshire.

Anna Gardiner, policy adviser (property) at SLE, said: “This is a crucially important time for housing provision generally and rural housing in particular. The uncertainty the new Housing Bill presents is damaging the confidence of those who provide homes and would like to deliver more.

“There is a window of opportunity to make a difference but it will close rapidly over the summer months prior to the Bill moving on to the next stage. We are appealing to government to take on board the experience, goodwill and commitment from those who are actually providing housing.

“Our members want to do more and were heartened by how receptive the minister was to hear real-world evidence of what is happening on the ground. We were encouraged to hear that he wants to see councils delivering housing strategy that incorporates the needs and opportunities in rural areas, supports more planning resource being directed to rural housing and that he is open to exploring how the Rural and Islands Housing Fund can work better for small scale private developments. The minister also stressed he was keen to deliver better clarity on planning finance and the private rented sector which are all interlinked.”

In its evidence to the parliamentary committee, SLE said anything that slows or stops the delivery of new housing is damaging the rural economy.

Anna Gardiner described rent controls as the “symptomatic treatment of the housing shortage” and said recruitment problems and depopulation are a consequence of housing shortages.

The landlord register has shown a decline of registered properties in rural areas since January 2022 and SLE is concerned that this decline will continue until the government provides a stable and supportive policy that is appreciative of rural housing providers.