Housing

The Scottish Land Fund (SLF) has awarded 10 grants across the country totalling nearly £2m this year to community groups.

The Fund supports rural and urban communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and management of land and land assets.

Since 2022 young people from across Scotland’s islands have highlighted to Young Islanders Network (YIN) what is important to them in their island community.

The top two recurring issues have been Transport and 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. 

Cross Party Group on Islands - Focus on Island Homes

The Cross Party Group on Islands in the Scottish Parliament (CPG Islands) provides a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to Scotland’s islands and the residents of island communities, and it aims to improve links between the Scottish Parliament and island communities.

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.

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