The Regulator is working with the Scottish Government and the newly formed Social Housing Resilience Group (SHRG) to understand the impact of the pandemic and where support is needed. 

To get a clear picture of the impact of coronavirus on social landlords, tenants and other service users, it has agreed to provide regular reports to the Scottish Government and the SHRG to help them understand the scale and nature of disruption and to plan coordinated responses.

In a letter to all social landlords, director of regulation Ian Brennan said the information return will ask for a small amount of information on core areas including rent arrears, empty homes, lettings, staff absence (for RSLs) and homeless applications and offers (for local authorities).

Mr Brennan wrote: “In recognition of the challenges that you face, we are keen to minimise the work that is involved in providing information to us during the pandemic. We have carefully considered the information that we need and that we have kept this to a minimum.”

He added: “We all face unprecedented challenges in working during the pandemic and we are keen to work as closely as possible with you in addressing the many risks and issues. So if you have any questions at all relating to this information request please do not hesitate to contact your lead officer within SHR.”

The Regulator will ask landlords to submit the first information return by Thursday 7 May. Returns will be monthly until the impact of the pandemic reduces.

The Regulator will share aggregate data with the Scottish Government and the SHRG.

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.