Roddick backs extra funding for social housing providers in the islands

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 28^th October, Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick highlighted the need for extra funding to social housing providers in Scotland’s islands to assist them in meeting new building standards introduced in the last session of parliament.

Social housing providers are now required to supply sprinkler systems to all homes they manage; a regulation which comes with extra cost for housing associations in the islands.

The mains water pressure in Orkney and Shetland is not high enough to meet the standard on its own, so water tanks must be installed nearby each development in order to create a pressure which fulfils the new legal requirement.  

Commenting on the issue, Roddick said:

“The welcome introduction of these new fire safety regulations should not mean island social housing providers – who are working hard to make sure their buildings are up to standard and their tenants kept safe – are short-changed.

“It is important that any extra costs associated with securing the needed water pressure outwith the mainland are mitigated by the government.

“I was delighted to hear from the Cabinet Secretary that the Scottish Government will provide the necessary funding to social housing suppliers to meet these regulations where necessary.”