Bield urges Scottish Government to develop National Independent Living Strategy

Developed in partnership with Socialudo ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, the report brings forward practical, evidence-based solutions for housing, health, and social care to work together more effectively. It calls for a decisive shift towards long-term prevention, collaborative planning, and sustained investment in homes and communities that underpin health ageing.

Using a bespoke “serious game” approach, Bield and Socialudo tested future scenarios that demonstrate how clear communication, shared planning, and stable long-term funding create better outcomes while reducing crisis intervention. These insights form the foundation of Bield’s call for a national, cross-sector Independent Living Strategy.

Key recommendations from the Independent Living report include:

• A 20-year National Independent Living Strategy led by the Scottish Government to provide clarity, stability, and a shared vision across housing, health, and social care.
• A shift from crisis response to prevention, recognising that early, consistent investment supports independence and delivers long-term value.
• Sustained investment in accessible, adaptable housing and services that is both cost-effective and socially just.
• Embedding tenant voices and lived experience as core principles in housing design, service development, and strategic planning.
• Inclusive digital and assistive technologies that enhance safety, promote wellbeing, and support dignity
• Joined-up working across public services, enabled by transparent communication, shared accountability, and cross-sector planning.

Debbie Collins, chief executive at Bield, said: “Working with staff and partners through the Socialudo approach helped us to explore the real potential for independent living in the decades ahead.  A Roadmap for Independent Living: Reimagining Housing, Health, and Ageing in Scotland draws on real tenant experiences and insights from partners across housing, health, and social care.

“As Scotland prepares for next year’s election, the need for a long-term national commitment to supporting people to age well has never been clearer. A National Independent Living Strategy would ensure that the homes, services, and communities people rely on are planned with their future needs in mind. 

“By communicating and collaborating across sectors – and by listening directly to the people who we want to age safely in the homes they know – we can create the conditions for people in Scotland not just to live longer, but to live better.”

Professor Vikki McCall, creative director, Socialudo and Professor of social policy, University of Stirling, added: “What was clear in this research is that Scotland needs a unifying approach to ageing that brings together housing, health, and social care under a shared vision for independent living.

“We were inspired by the motivation and enthusiasm of Bield’s staff and tenants and having that national focus is so important to show a clear path forward in preparing for our ageing population.

“The timing couldn’t be better, with this report offering practical ways to help realise the ambitions set out in Housing to 2040.”

The Socialudo methodology used by Bield immersed participants in future scenarios, enabling them to negotiate difficult trade-offs and assess the system-wide conditions necessary for effective independent living. Lived experience from Bield tenants was central to the process, grounding strategic insights in real stories and everyday challenges.”