Compiled on behalf of SHR by Brodies, the briefing note serves to highlight areas where the findings of the Grenfell inquiry report and the 2023 Act might prompt discussions on the regulation of social landlords in Scotland and impact the Regulator.

The report does not propose new recommendations for social housing providers, given the reforms introduced in England and Wales by the 2023 Act. However, the report considers key themes for improvement across various sectors, which may also resonate with the SHR.

The 2023 Act introduces reforms for England and Wales that include obligations for landlords to address health-impacting defects promptly, set conduct and competence standards for housing personnel, and improve transparency in tenant communication. An analysis of Scottish legislation shows some equivalence through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010, and SHR’s regulatory framework.

Michael Cameron, the Regulator’s chief executive, said: “This briefing note highlights where the findings of the Inquiry Report and the English legislation could have implications for the regulation of social landlords in Scotland. We have published this to help the ongoing discussions around how the Scottish Government and social landlords in Scotland might respond to the outcomes of the Inquiry into the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.”