Housing

Wood-burning stoves, bioenergy and peat heating will now be permitted in new homes and buildings following a review of the New Build Heat Standard commissioned by ministers earlier this year.

An amendment to regulations made today permits the installation of bioenergy and peat main heating systems - and any type of secondary heating systems - in new buildings from 1 January 2025, while maintaining the prohibition on mains gas and oil boilers as a main heating system.

Rural Housing Scotland (RHS) has announced that it is to close. 

Founded on February 3, 2001, RHS was established with a clear mission: to help rural communities across Scotland address housing needs, alleviate rural homelessness, and improve poor housing conditions. Operating under the tagline “local homes: national voice,” the charity advocated for rural housing solutions and a force for change.

The availability and affordability of housing is a major issue across North Ayrshire and, in particular, within island communities. 

To help address the issue, North Ayrshire Council have launched a consultation about the proposed implementation of an additional council tax levy on second homes. 

A new Scottish tax aimed at encouraging the use of recycled materials in construction has been approved unanimously by the Scottish Parliament.

A £22 million investment has been made into a scheme to increase investment in affordable homes and deliver more housing. 

As part of Scotland's Charitable Bond Programme, the Scottish Government has provided funding to issue two new bonds via finance intermediary Allia to housing providers Link and Cairn Housing Association to provide support for more than 150 new homes.

Details of how the Scottish Government will deliver their priorities over the lifetime of the National Islands Plan have been published in a route map.

It identifies the methods to monitor progress towards fulfilling the many commitments in the Plan and sets out timescales for delivery of our work.