- Permanently Affordable Housing: can it be delivered?

George Hotel, Edinburgh

In association with Scottish Federation of Housing Associations  

Featuring contributions from internationally regarded:

The discussion document Firm Foundations: the future of housing in Scotland has placed housing at the forefront of the government's priorities.  Scotland has a housing affordability crisis due both to a shortage of supply and to a housing market that is rigidly structured.  Home ownership is beyond the reach of many, as is affordable renting.  At one end of the spectrum, the majority are now priced out of living in economically prosperous areas.  At the other end the social housing ‘market' has, ironically locked whole communities in permanent poverty, with calamitous social consequences.  Many in between are forecast to lose their homes as the full impact of the credit crisis is felt.

The lack of affordable and flexible alternatives to full ownership is exacerbating the social divide and damaging the economy. The need for more permanently affordable housing and a housing market structured to provide for everyone's needs is greater than ever. 

This timely one-day conference will look at how the housing market is currently structured in relation to low cost ownership and affordable and social housing for rent; discuss the future role of the public sector as both a provider of housing and as a "safety net" against market failure and ask what Scotland can learn from the housing solutions of other countries.

Subjects to be discussed include:

•  The housing market in Scotland: an overview
•  The Government view
•  Planning reform and housing supply
•  The future of public sector housing
•  The role of Local Authorities
•  The sub-prime crisis
•  New forms of affordable ownership: lessons from the USA