Major Scottish housing conference next week

Published by webmaster for 24dash.com in Housing

The 3rd Annual Holyrood magazine Housing conference, the Future For Housing In Scotland, takes place in Glasgow next week.

2007 brings considerable challenges for those involved in the housing sector in Scotland as many of the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 come into force.

Archie Stoddart, Director of Shelter Scotland, and a keynote speaker at this year’s conference, said: “One of the challenges we face, with rising house prices, and thousands of people on waiting lists, or in temporary accommodation, is housing Scotland’s people. Improving affordable housing provision across Scotland has to happen in 2007.

“Politicians have a real chance this year, through the comprehensive spending review, to increase spend on housing. We look forward to taking this message to the Holyrood conference later this month where I’ll be discussing the challenges ahead for Scotland’s housing.”

The conference takes place on Tuesday at the Grosvenor Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.

Nick Fletcher, Policy & Public Affairs Officer, from the Chartered Institute of Housing, will be covering the effects on local authorities and registered social landlords.

He said: “The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 is the latest in a list of important legislation from the Scottish Parliament that is improving housing in Scotland.  This Act brings a much needed focus to the private housing sector where it is estimated that over half of all tenements are in need of a least one major repair and 70% of all private houses would not meet the quality standard that is being set for the social rented sector.
 
“The aim of the Act is to ensure that we can ensure private housing is fit for purpose.  It will mean that owners can be confident that their homes are up to standard. If they are not then local authorities will have powers to work with owners to take the required action to ensure our housing assets are maintained for the future. I’m pleased that this Holyrood conference will spend some time focusing on improving our housing.”

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