The plans reinforce the Regulator’s commitment to protecting the interests of tenants and service users, supporting social landlords, and contributing to broader public service reform.

At the heart of the activity remains the effective delivery of its statutory duties. These include monitoring, assessing, and reporting on the performance, governance, and financial health of Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), making regulatory interventions where appropriate, and maintaining the register of social landlords.

Key publications in the coming year will include:

• An analysis of empty homes;
• The annual regulatory risk assessment and engagement plans for all local authorities and RSLs;
• A final update on data regarding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC);
• The National Report on the Charter, updated landlord reports, and an enhanced comparison tool;
• Reports on notifiable events and RSL financial data;
• A thematic report on Annual Assurance Statement visits.

SHR reaffirmed its focus on listening to tenants and service users, using their feedback to guide regulatory work and empower them through accessible performance information.

This will be delivered through:

• Engagement with the Tenants Together (Scotland) liaison group;
• Research and reporting from its National Panel of tenants and service users;
• Ongoing collaboration with Tenant Advisors;
• A refreshed strategy for tenant involvement.

In addition, the Regulator will participate in tenant-focused conferences, respond to serious concerns, and provide practical information through factsheets and landlord performance tools.

The Regulator will continue close engagement with a wide range of stakeholders to understand the evolving landscape of social housing and highlight key risks.

This includes:

• Regular engagement with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, representative bodies, investors, and lenders;
• Structured conversations with all 32 local authorities, especially regarding homelessness services and Gypsy/Traveller site provision;
• Board-level meetings with advice agencies, rural and urban landlords, and Systemically Important RSLs.
• SHR will also contribute to discussions on the Scottish Government’s review of energy efficiency standards and net-zero goals, cladding risks, and implications of Awaab’s Law and the Phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry.

The Regulator outlined its intention to remain an efficient, transparent, and impactful public body.

Highlights for the coming year include:

An interim review of its 2024–2027 strategy;

• Publication of its annual report and accounts;
• Active participation in public service reform initiatives, including the Civil Service People Survey;
• Commitment to cyber security and ICT resilience, with a goal to renew Cyber Assurance accreditation;
• Development of a five-year Business Intelligence System strategy and exploration of AI opportunities;
• Continued improvements to digital accessibility, particularly for British Sign Language users;
• Implementation of its corporate parenting action plan and biodiversity commitments.

The Regulator will also work within a revenue budget of £5.343 million and a capital budget of £0.1m.

Commenting on the year ahead, George Walker, chair of the Scottish Housing Regulator, said: “Throughout the coming year we will keep a firm focus on the big challenges facing tenants and social landlords, including the cost of living crisis and affordability, the acute problems around homelessness and the number of people in temporary accommodation, emerging requirements on net zero, damp and mould and tenant and resident safety.

“We will also continue to work closely with all our stakeholders to protect the interests of tenants and others by supporting social housing and delivering shared goals. We aim to make a wider contribution as a Scottish public body, while being extremely mindful of our budget, capacity and how we utilise public funds.”