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Associations must support the Scottish government in seeking to improve housing rights
Housing has for too long been considered secondary to health and education, and it is time for it to be recognised as a human right, argues Gordon Brown
The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights might have been the first international treaty to state that everyone had the right to “a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services” but it was the Addison Act – 100 years old this year – that laid the foundations, for the UK at least.
This legislation recognised the central role that housing plays in the lives of citizens and communities and made housing a national responsibility, and local authorities were given the task of developing new housing and rented accommodation where it was needed.
Housing conditions across Scotland are incomparable with those a century ago, and we are in the midst of an affordable housing boom – with a target of 50,000 affordable homes.
Human rights law recognises everyone’s right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing.
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For housing to be adequate it must, at a minimum, meet the following criteria set by the UN:
- Security of tenure
- Availability of services, materials, facilities and infrastructure
- Affordability
- Habitability
- Accessibility
- Location
- Cultural adequacy
However, we still live in a country where the demand for housing of all tenures far outstrips supply, meaning long waits on housing lists/in temporary accommodation, upwards pressure on house prices and the increasing cost of lets in the private sector.
For example, a two-bedroom flat in the Lothians now costs on average £946 per month – an increase of 43% or £281 since 2010. Despite progressive legislation and the concerted efforts of the housing sector, homelessness and rough sleeping are on the rise and intergenerational inequality is increasing.
Housing has a central role to play in addressing the challenges facing Scotland today, be it improving health and education outcomes, tackling climate change and poverty, or supporting economic growth.
But the experiences of those sleeping rough on our streets or their friends’ sofas, young children living in temporary/overcrowded accommodation and families forced into poverty to cover housing costs highlight the need for housing to be truly recognised among the most basic of human rights itself.
“Despite progressive legislation and the concerted efforts of the housing sector, homelessness and rough sleeping are on the rise”
Housing, for too long, has been considered secondary to health and education. Any lasting solution to the housing crisis must recognise and embrace the concept of housing as a human right.
We must identify and agree what this means for Scotland and Scottish policy so that every one of us can live somewhere in security, peace and dignity, supported by a system that acknowledges that we all need more than a house – we need a home.
We, of course, recognise that the UN criteria might not be achieved. However, it can be realised over a reasonable period. Our sector must support the Scottish government in taking active steps to improve housing rights in Scotland.
Gordon Brown, communications lead, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Inside Housing on #ScottishHousingDay
Inside Housing is hosting Q&As with key figures for Scottish Housing Day.
To get involved, tweet your questions using the hashtags #IHchat and #ScottishHousingDay at the following times:
9.30am: Jim Strang, president, Chartered Institute of Housing
10.30am: Lisa Borthwick, senior campaigns and policy manager, Shelter Scotland
2pm: Kevin Stewart, minister for local government, housing and planning, Scottish government
More articles on Scottish Housing Day:
Making the case for housing as a human right on Scottish Housing Day – Callum Chomczuk stresses the importance of resources and a clear vision to incorporate the right to housing into domestic legislation
Mixing the traditional with the new to improve engagement – Lesley Baird argues that social landlords can no longer rely on traditional methods when looking at tenant engagement
Scottish sector calls for housing to be recognised as a human right – Details of the report by several Scottish housing bodies
Associations must support the Scottish government in seeking to improve housing rights – Housing has for too long been considered secondary to health and education, and it is time for it to be recognised as a human right, argues Gordon Brown
