Housing

Yesterday (18 April) saw the launch and publication of new policy prospectus by First Minister Humza Yousaf, setting out what the government will deliver for Scotland over the next three years

The ‘Equality, opportunity, community. New leadership – A fresh start’ publication sets out Ministerial priorities to be delivered by 2026 and describes what the Scottish Government aim to achieve, which when taken together will deliver upon the three key missions:

Plans to enable councils to raise the amount of council tax paid on empty and second homes will be included in a new consultation to help increase housing availability.

First Minister Humza Yousaf has reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to resetting the relationship with local authorities in a meeting with COSLA President Shona Morrison.

Local communities across Scotland will be supported to take climate action in their areas through a new nationwide network of Climate Action Hubs.

This follows the success of two pathfinder hubs in the North East and the Highlands, which helped to widen participation in climate action and have supported a range of projects, including on local energy and flood mitigation.

Crofters across Scotland will be able to apply for larger sums of money to upgrade their housing under the Croft House Grant.

To help ensure more crofters and their families can benefit, the government is increasing the grant rate for home improvements from 40% to 60% of the total project cost – with a maximum grant of £38,000.

Private rent increases will be capped at 3% and restrictions will remain on enforcement of evictions under measures approved today by MSPs.

The changes to the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act will mean that from 1 April 2023:

The Scottish Government are seeking views on a proposed target relating to the combined supply of thermal energy through heat networks in Scotland in 2035. 

Help with heating costs is on its way to around 400,000 people on low incomes through a new Scottish Government benefit, with the first payments processed this week.

More than £20m will be paid out over the course of February and March in Winter Heating Payments.

Community projects tackling poverty and disadvantage will receive £27 million funding over the next three years.

Food pantries which help lower food bills and cost of living advice services are among the 100 initiatives developed by local people set to receive grants from the Investing in Communities Fund.