Question reference: S6W-13907
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 13 January 2023
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Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 27 January 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-13088 by Patrick Harvie on 10 January 2023, which states that the timing and scope of the Bill is subject to ongoing review and consideration as it continues to deliver its emergency response to support tenants through the ongoing cost of living crisis, whether the scope of the Bill will also include how the Scottish Government will increase the number of accessible homes in Scotland.
Answer
As I announced to Parliament on 19 January 2023, the Scottish Government intends to introduce the Housing Bill – which will include long-term rent control measures – as soon as possible after the 2023 summer recess.
The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the supply of accessible homes as set out in the long term housing strategy Housing to 2040. We are in the process of reviewing the Housing for Varying Needs design guide. This guide is a key reference document for the affordable housing sector in Scotland and we plan to consult on proposed changes to the guide this spring. It is intended that the review of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide will directly inform the development of an all-tenure Scottish Accessible Homes Standard, which will be implemented through changes to building standards and guidance from 2025-26. This will improve the accessibility of new build homes from the outset.