Housing (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment Summary

Summary of evidence

The evidence stage of the assessment process has identified relatively little impact on individuals facing socio-economic disadvantage and inequalities of outcome in relation to the provisions of the Bill. The impacts that have been identified are generally positive rather than negative.

This document sets out a summary of the results of the two Fairer Scotland Duty assessments (“FSD”) which have identified impacts in relation to measures in the Bill, see table below. Further information can be found in these individual FSD assessments which have been published on the Scottish Government website.

In relation to the other measures in the Bill, the outcome of the assessment stage is that the Scottish Government considers they would have no significant impact on individuals experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and that no effect on those groups is anticipated in respect of these measures. These measures are as set out below.

Part 4 - Registration of letting agents etc.

These measures strengthen the information Scottish Ministers have to allow them to be satisfied that letting agents meet, and continue to meet, the requirements for registration. They also seek to ensure that mechanisms are in place to allow for full consideration of all relevant factors when considering a letting agent’s application. The provisions do not represent a change in policy or direction, and accordingly, are considered to have no direct impact on socio-economic disadvantage.

Part 6 - Other housing matters:

Mobile homes - The provisions will affect residents of mobile home sites, some of whom will share protected characteristics which may be aligned with lower incomes and/or inequality i.e. Gypsy/Travellers and people with a disability. The changes proposed update the statistical measures used in an existing policy to ensure that they remain up to date and are not, therefore, strategic in nature. Based on the patterns in inflation measures to date, the policy may result in a small financial benefit to residents so will not result in socioeconomic advantage.

Fuel poverty – These are minor operational amending provisions and are not considered to have any direct impact on socio-economic disadvantage.

New homes ombudsman - This is a minor provision to enable the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman to share information with the UK new homes ombudsman, when established. This provision will have no direct impact on socio-economic disadvantage.