A Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) is a five-year plan that outlines the development priorities and resources available for investing in a city’s housing. The plan is prepared in accordance with the latest Scottish Government guidance and sets out the council’s priorities for affordable housing provision via new build, replacement, rehabilitation, or remodeling. “Affordable housing” in this context refers to accommodation made available at a cost below full market value to meet an identified need and includes social rented housing.
The Scottish Government recognizes the importance of investing in affordable housing and has set a target of delivering 100,000 affordable homes by 2032. The SHIP is a tool that local authorities can use to achieve this target. It enables them to identify the areas of greatest need and prioritize investment to deliver affordable homes where they are needed most. The SHIP also ensures that strategic housing priorities are aligned and consistent with Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan priorities.
The SHIP includes details of affordable housing projects that are aligned with the Local Child Poverty Action Report for the local authority area, including any need for larger family housing. The plan also includes information on association, tenure, indicative approval year, site start, completion, and estimated grant fund requirement. By providing a clear and transparent framework for investment in affordable housing, the SHIP helps to ensure that every pound of investment is used to maximum effect.
Strategic Housing Investment Plan Overview
Purpose and Goals
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) is a five-year plan that outlines the council’s priorities for investing in affordable housing in their local area. The main goal of the plan is to increase the availability of affordable housing for people in need, such as those on low incomes or with special housing needs.
The SHIP is developed in conjunction with the Local Housing Strategy (LHS), which sets out the council’s broader housing objectives. The SHIP then outlines specific projects and initiatives that will be implemented to achieve these objectives. By prioritizing projects and allocating resources, the SHIP helps ensure that the council’s housing investment is targeted where it will have the greatest impact.
Key Components
The SHIP typically includes several key components, including:
- Housing Need and Demand Assessment: This assessment provides a detailed analysis of the current and future housing needs in the local area. It takes into account factors such as population growth, demographic changes, and economic trends to identify the types of housing that will be needed in the future.
- Housing Investment Priorities: Based on the housing need and demand assessment, the SHIP outlines the council’s investment priorities for the next five years. This may include the construction of new affordable housing, the renovation of existing housing, or the acquisition of new housing stock.
- Project Prioritization Methodology: The SHIP typically includes a summary of the methodology used to prioritize projects. This may include factors such as the level of housing need, the cost-effectiveness of the project, and the availability of funding.
- Off-the-Shelf Purchases: In some cases, the council may choose to purchase existing housing stock rather than constructing new housing. These “off-the-shelf” purchases can be an effective way to quickly increase the availability of affordable housing in the local area.
By providing a clear roadmap for affordable housing investment, the SHIP helps ensure that the council’s resources are used effectively to meet the needs of the local community.
Funding and Resources
Scottish Government Funding
The Scottish Government provides funding for local authorities to support the delivery of affordable housing through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. The funding is allocated to local authorities based on their Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) and their ability to deliver affordable housing. The funding is intended to support the delivery of new affordable homes and the improvement of existing homes.
Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the funding is used effectively and efficiently. They are required to report on the progress of their SHIP and the delivery of affordable housing to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government also provides guidance on the preparation of SHIPs to ensure that they are consistent with national housing policy.
Affordable Housing Supply Programme
The Affordable Housing Supply Programme is a key source of funding for local authorities to support the delivery of affordable housing. The programme provides funding for the construction of new homes, the improvement of existing homes, and the acquisition of land for affordable housing.
The programme is designed to support the delivery of a range of affordable housing options, including social rented housing, affordable rented housing, and shared ownership. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the funding is used to deliver the housing options that are most needed in their area.
In addition to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, local authorities may also use their own resources and borrowing to support the delivery of affordable housing. They may also seek funding from other sources, such as Registered Social Landlords and private sector developers.
Implementation and Partnerships
The success of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) relies heavily on partnerships between various entities. The City of San Antonio has developed a comprehensive plan that outlines investment priorities and strategies for local authorities, housing associations, and developers to work together towards increasing the supply of affordable housing in the city.
Local Authorities and Councils
Local authorities and councils play a critical role in the implementation of SHIP. The plan aims to develop a coordinated housing system that involves collaboration between the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and other local organizations. The local authorities are responsible for identifying suitable sites for development, providing infrastructure support, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. They also have the power to provide funding and tax incentives to encourage the development of affordable housing.
Housing Associations and Developers
Housing associations and developers are crucial partners in the implementation of SHIP. They are responsible for designing, building, and managing affordable housing developments. The plan encourages the involvement of both non-profit and for-profit organizations in the development of affordable housing. Housing associations and developers can benefit from government funding and tax incentives to help offset the costs of development.
The partnerships between local authorities, housing associations, and developers are essential to the success of SHIP. By working together, they can identify suitable sites for development, secure funding, and ensure compliance with local regulations. The plan provides a framework for collaboration and encourages the involvement of all stakeholders in the development of affordable housing.
Monitoring and Outcomes
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) is a document that sets out the strategic direction for affordable housing investment over a five-year period. The Scottish Government expects local authorities to monitor delivery of affordable housing referenced in a SHIP against their Local Housing Strategy (LHS) outcomes and Local Outcome Improvement Plans. The monitoring process is essential to identify how LHS policies are being translated into operational delivery.
Delivery Plan
The delivery plan is a key component of the SHIP. It outlines the actions required to deliver the housing investment priorities identified in the SHIP, including the delivery of affordable housing. The delivery plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that progress is being made towards achieving the housing investment priorities.
Housing Investment Priorities
The SHIP identifies investment priorities for affordable housing over a five-year period. These priorities are based on an assessment of the need for affordable housing in the local area and take into account the resources available to deliver the investment programme. The investment priorities should be regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain relevant and reflect changes in the local housing market.
The monitoring process is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of the investment programme in achieving the desired outcomes. This evaluation is based on a range of indicators, including the number of new affordable homes delivered, the number of homes brought back into use, and the number of homes improved through renovation.
Overall, the monitoring process is an essential tool for ensuring that the SHIP is delivering the desired outcomes. It enables local authorities to identify areas where improvements can be made and to adjust their investment priorities accordingly. By monitoring the delivery of affordable housing against LHS outcomes and Local Outcome Improvement Plans, local authorities can ensure that their investment programme is delivering the maximum benefit to their communities.
Challenges and Updates
Addressing Housing Need
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) is a comprehensive framework that outlines the key priorities and actions required to address housing need across different regions. However, despite the progress made in recent years, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the lack of affordable housing, which has become a major issue in many parts of the world. In response, policymakers have implemented a range of policies to increase the supply of new affordable homes and improve access to existing ones.
To address the issue of affordable housing, many local authorities have developed new policies and initiatives to encourage the construction of new homes. For example, some regions have introduced planning obligations or conditions that require developers to contribute to affordable housing policies. Other regions have established partnerships with key stakeholders, such as housing associations, to increase the supply of affordable homes.
COVID-19 Impact and Responses
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the housing market, with many people experiencing financial difficulties and struggling to pay their rent or mortgage. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of having safe and secure housing, as well as the need to address inequalities in the housing market.
In response to the pandemic, many local authorities have implemented new measures to support vulnerable households and prevent homelessness. For example, some regions have established emergency accommodation for people who are at risk of homelessness, while others have introduced rent relief schemes to help tenants who are struggling to pay their rent.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, many regions have continued to make progress in implementing their SHIPs. Key partners, such as housing associations and private developers, have continued to work closely with local authorities to deliver new affordable homes and improve access to existing ones. Overall, the SHIP remains a vital tool for addressing housing need and ensuring that everyone has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.
