Housing Investment Taskforce minutes: April 2024

Items and actions

Summary of Meeting 

Paul McLennan MSP, Minister for Housing, welcomed members to the first meeting of the Housing Investment Taskforce at Scotland House, London. 

Taskforce Remit

Taskforce discussed that an all tenure approach to solutions was required. Members were encouraged to share experiences in order to develop practical solutions and it was noted that the expertise of others could be relied upon to inform Taskforce work and avoid duplication.

Key barriers

In open discussion the following barriers were highlighted:

•    impact of Housing Bill particularly around rent control and the effects on investor confidence

•    planning process: pace, securing viable consents, costs and impact of stalled sites

•    the cost and timing of enabling works related to infrastructure/basis of s75 consents

•    reduced funding through affordable housing supply budget against growing need

•    cost of retrofit and impact on funding for new build

•    changes to building standards were difficult to track and as requirements rise, so does additional cost

•    whether funding was used most effectively

•    the current significant number of empty homes and the potential for repurposing of former retail premises

•    cost of borrowing and Registered Social Landlord ability to develop including lack of access to public debt market

Next steps 

Conflict of interest paperwork to be completed.

To take areas discussed, develop with further feedback and prepare a plan for June meeting to sequence work including short and longer-term proposals.