Scotland risks worsening the housing emergency unless independent analysis is built into the multi-billion-pound More Homes Scotland plans, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has warned.

In a new discussion paper, How Will We Know If More Homes Scotland Is Working?, CIOB argues while Scotland urgently needs more homes, policymakers must also demonstrate housing policies are improving affordability and access to good quality homes, especially for vulnerable households.

CIOB also says the Government must prove these policies are reducing the country’s rates of homelessness and ensure taxpayers are getting value for money.

The report comes as the Scottish Government develops plans for the national housing agency designed to tackle the nation’s housing crisis and increase housing delivery.

Dr Jocelyne Fleming, CIOB policy lead for Scotland, said: “Scotland urgently needs more homes, and CIOB strongly supports the creation of More Homes Scotland as a vehicle to help deliver them. 

"However, we also need to understand whether housing policies are actually delivering new homes, as well as improving affordability, reducing housing insecurity and delivering better outcomes for people and communities. 

“If we don't build learning and evaluation into the system from the beginning, we risk wasting significant public resources without fully understanding what is working and what is not.”

Drawing on lessons from Canada, where an independent, cross-sector National Housing Council was established to evaluate housing policy and advise ministers, the report argues Scotland should consider introducing a similar blueprint.

The paper highlights the importance of evaluating what impact policy and public spending has on the number of homes built, as well as asking whether housing programmes are improving Scottish people’s lives.

CIOB's proposal would see the creation of an independent assessment panel to review the work of MHS. Part of this function would provide independent analysis from a group of experts – made up of people from across the housing industry and those who have direct experiences of housing need or homelessness - to gather evidence, commission research, and provide ongoing advice to ministers.

Jocelyne continued: “Without proper evaluation, there is a risk taxpayers aren't getting best value for money and those in most urgent need of a place to live don't get the help they need, so it's important the More Homes Scotland model is adaptable and open to change if needed. 

“Our proposal will mean people who have experienced the hardship of housing struggles and homelessness have a platform to directly influence Scottish Government policy and help protect some of the country’s most vulnerable people.”

The full discussion paper, How Will We Know If More Homes Scotland Is Working?, is available on the CIOB website.