Emma Roddick MSP has visited Albyn Housing Society’s headquarters in Inverness to discuss the delivery of new affordable homes, support for tenants and the continuing challenge of fuel poverty across the Highlands.
The visit, arranged through the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, gave the Inverness and Nairn MSP the opportunity to hear about Albyn’s plans to deliver more than 600 new affordable homes over the next five years, alongside the work being carried out to help tenants remain in their homes during the cost of living crisis.
Albyn Housing Society, the largest independent social housing provider in the Highlands, also highlighted the challenges posed by planning and infrastructure delays, which can slow the delivery of much needed new homes.
Supporting tenants to sustain their tenancies remains a key priority for the organisation, with staff providing financial support, energy advice and early intervention to help prevent tenancy breakdown.
Since 2023, Albyn says its teams have secured more than £1 million in financial gains through a combination of internal and external funding, helping tenants facing financial hardship while reducing the risk of homelessness.
Fuel poverty was also a major focus of the discussions, with Albyn highlighting the difficulties many Highland households face because of their reliance on electricity based heating systems, where limited fuel choice often results in higher energy costs.
The housing association warned that some tenants are under heating their homes because they simply cannot afford to keep them warm, increasing the risk of damp and mould while raising wider public health concerns.
Maureen Knight, Interim Group Chief Executive of Albyn Housing Society, said:
“We were pleased to welcome Emma Roddick MSP to Inverness and to have the opportunity to discuss both the challenges and the progress that Albyn is making across the Highlands.
“From our commitment to delivering over 600 new homes over the next five years, to the direct support we provide to help tenants sustain their tenancies, our teams are focused on making a real and lasting difference.
“Engagement with MSPs is vital in ensuring that the realities facing rural communities are understood, and that there is continued support for the investment and collaboration required to improve outcomes for our tenants.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our elected representatives and partners to address these challenges and build on the progress already being made.”
Emma Roddick MSP said:
“Local housing associations are vital, and it’s the delivery of social homes that we most need to tackle the housing emergency.
“I’m always happy to engage with Albyn and other providers in the Highlands to look at how we can work together to remove barriers and support their work which we desperately need done.
“I’m pleased that Albyn is so focused on tackling fuel poverty and preventing homelessness, two things also very important to me, and I look forward to working closely with them and the SFHA over the new parliamentary session.”
