New research shows value of social housing as Scottish Government figures show delivery slowing

Figures released today by the Scottish Government show that affordable housing delivery has continued to slow to a crawl, on the same day fresh research showing the value of social homes is published.

The research, funded by housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland in partnership with Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT), captures the experience of social tenants and the positive impact that moving into a new social home has on their lives. [1]

The most significant positive changes reported by tenants related to financial comfort, being less worried about crime, ability to heat their homes, and access to greenspaces. Many respondents also said that moving into a social home improved their lives in terms of their independence, health, and being able to escape overcrowding or harassment. 

Using the UK Social Value Bank model [2], the research found that an average of £11,027 of social value was generated for each individual in the three to six months after moving into social housing.

Scottish Government figures published today show that the number of social homes completed under the affordable housing supply programme is at the lowest level since 2020-21, while the number started is the lowest since 2015-16. [3]

Shelter Scotland said the continued decline in social housing delivery was an inevitable consequence of repeated cuts to the affordable housing supply programme at Holyrood. 

Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said: 

“The continued decline in the number of social homes being delivered is the inevitable, and entirely foreseeable, consequence of repeated cuts to the housing budget. 

“The research we’ve published today shows that delivering social homes improves people's lives and delivers tremendous value not only for social tenants but for the public purse as well.

“Investing in social housing means investing in people’s health and in our communities. Delivering more social housing is the only way to provide permanent homes for the 10,000 children in Scotland who are trapped in temporary accommodation. So, ultimately, investing in social homes is also investing in Scotland’s future.”

Michael Mclaughlin, Head of Social Value at HACT, said:

"We know that increasing housing supply is the key route to ending homelessness, however what this year two research further evidences is that social housing tenancies play a particular role within this, through the provisions and wrap around support that increases health, wellbeing, and resilience of those in most need.

“Social housing tenancies are driving improvements in social, economic and health outcomes in tenants, and where these are achieved there is huge capacity for significant preventative savings to wider society. We're delighted to be working with Shelter Scotland on this incredibly important research. The insight is already proving that where there is better understanding of evolving needs of tenants, strong relationships are developed and needs-based service is delivered, that social housing is one of the key drivers of lasting impact to people's lives."

Link Social Value Co-ordinator, Sheila Maxwell, said:

“Link continues to be committed to gathering quality data from social housing tenants that demonstrates the positive, and wide-ranging impact, of new build social housing for tenants and the Scottish economy.

“We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with 13 other RSLs and four local authorities serving rural and urban communities to build this body of evidence. This interim year two report enables us all to share research outcomes with colleagues across the housing sector and with those developing housing strategy, policy and practice in Scotland.”