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Scottish sector calls for housing to be recognised as a human right
Leading Scottish sector bodies are calling for housing to be recognised as a human right in national law following the UK’s “probable departure from the European Union”.
In a report published today to mark Scottish Housing Day, leading sector figures argue that legislating for human rights in domestic legislation could provide citizens with a means to challenge councils, landlords and the government if they violate a minimum set of rights.
The report was published by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland, alongside the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Shelter Scotland, the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers, the Scottish Association of Landlords, and the Tenant Participatory Advisory Service Scotland.
The United Nations’ Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights treaty – of which the UK is a signatory – guarantees the right to adequate housing.
In June, the Scottish government unveiled the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership, which will focus on the development of new legislation that would enhance the protection of the human rights of every member of Scottish society.
Earlier this year, members of the Welsh housing sector published a similar report calling on the Welsh government to recognise housing as a human right by law.
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Callum Chomczuk, national director at CIH Scotland, said: “Housing is a human right, so I am pleased that we are using the celebrations as part of Scottish Housing Day to make the case for greater consistency in what people experience and to highlight the need to ensure that we are building more of the right homes in the right places.”
“Legislation will be only the first step and educating the public and judiciary about the value of this approach will take time. However, we know from experience in Scotland, and in other countries, how a rights-based approach to housing can improve the experiences of tenants, customers and homeowners.”
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Aileen Campbell, Scottish communities secretary, said: “Housing is embedded in so much that we want to achieve, including eradicating poverty and homelessness, tackling the effects of climate change and promoting inclusive growth.
“Now is the time for us to come together to shape a resilient housing system which addresses these challenges. In July, we published a draft vision for our homes and communities in 2040 and the supporting principles, including the right to an adequate home. Over the coming months we will gather a wide range of views on how to make this a reality.
“Scottish Housing Day is a great way for people to engage with that discussion and help us shape our collective vision for housing to 2040 and beyond.”
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
