Award of MHD 2023-01 - Invitation To Tender - Housing for Varying Needs Consultation - 14 Septemb...

To enhance the accessibility, adaptability and usability of homes delivered through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, the then Minister for Housing announced to Parliament in March 2019 that the Housing for Varying Needs design guide would be reviewed. In March 2021, this commitment was reaffirmed within Housing to 2040 – Scotland’s national housing strategy. Within the strategy, the Scottish Government also committed to developing and introducing an all-tenure Scottish Accessible Homes Standard, which will be implemented through changes to building standards and guidance from 2025-26. The scope of the consultation is therefore twofold. Firstly, it proposes updates to Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide to enhance the accessibility, adaptability and usability of (a) homes delivered through the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and (b) accommodation delivered by local authorities through the Scottish Government’s Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund (or subsequent funding). Secondly, it introduces the principles which we consider underpin the all-tenure Scottish Accessible Homes Standard – as well as setting out our proposals for updates to building standards and guidance which will apply to (a) all new build homes and (b) homes delivered through the conversion of non-residential buildings into housing.