1. Rural Housing Initiative Pauline Innes Housing Supply Division Scottish Government

2. Purpose To share our ideas for addressing rural housing issues Consider ideas and solutions Seek your views

3. Background We have been listening: The housing system in rural Scotland operates differently to that of urban Scotland in a few key areas: – Land ownership and house-building industry structured differently – Impact of the second home and holiday home market – Higher levels of empty properties. – Employment structure is different - high levels of part-time working, thus affecting mortgage decisions – Delivering mainstream affordable housing through an RSL or council is not always possible.

4. Rural Housing Initiative – policy intention? RSL and council build are important, but complementary action could make a big impact. Don’t want to displace existing activity but to fill the gaps.

5. Proposition Support for rural landlords and landowners to increase the supply of rented housing (either mid-market or market rent). Bringing empty properties back into use for affordable rent or sale. Helping individuals into owner occupation through self build (building on rural rent to buy and self-build loan fund). Support for community groups who want to create new housing at all stages of development of their proposals

6. Stakeholders Rural Housing Scotland Highlands & Islands Small Communities Housing Trust Dumfries & Galloway Small Communities Housing Trust Highlands & Islands Enterprise Scottish Land & Estates Rural & Islands Housing Association Forum ALACHO Development Trusts Association Scotland Community Land Scotland

7. Timeline Recommendations to Ministers by summer 2015. Spending Review autumn 2015 – 1 year or 3 years? Subject to ministerial agreement, ready to launch in 2016/17.

8. Any questions?

9. Group discussion…… Have we set the background correctly, Is there anything missing? Do the solutions proposed feel right? Is there anything missing? Will it address the issues that you see? Feasibility funding support? Would it be helpful? How much demand do you think there will be for the Initiative at its various elements? How should we keep interested parties up-to-date with progress? What’s the best way to communicate with interested parties? How can you help us?