This is the report on our thematic inquiry into the development of new affordable housing in Scotland. Our aim is to identify and share positive practice, primarily to help Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in their approach to development, but the principles may also help those local authorities that are developing.  We reviewed the whole development process from taking a strategic decision to develop; to agreeing and managing a programme; through to the final completion of new affordable homes. We considered wider risks and constraints, along with issues around the approval and management of development projects.

In 2016 the Scottish Government made a commitment to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over the current parliamentary term (2016-2021), with 35,000 of these being for social rent. This was accompanied by a range of measures designed to help facilitate more development, including a commitment of over £3 billion of public subsidy over the five financial years, accompanied by increased subsidy levels, a new Rural and Island Housing Fund to increase the supply of affordable rural housing, support for mid-market rent initiatives and affordable home ownership. These plans require two thirds increase in the volume of affordable housing development, as just over 30,000 homes were completed over the previous five years by RSLs and local authorities. Many existing affordable housing developers have already decided to grow their programmes to help deliver the targets.