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1 New build housing supply
1.1 Source and definitions
1.2 Revisions and estimates
1.3 Comparison with other data sources
2 Stock by tenure
2.1 Source and definitions
2.2 Revisions and estimates
2.3 Comparison with other data sources
3 Local authority housing stock
3.1 Source and definitions
3.2 Revisions and estimates
3.3 Comparison with other data sources
4 Sales of social sector housing (Right to Buy)
4.1 Source and definitions
4.2 Revisions and estimates
4.3 Comparison with other data sources
5 Public authority vacant stock
5.1 Source and definitions
5.2 Revisions and estimates
5.3 Comparison with other data sources
6 Conversions and demolitions
6.1 Source and definitions
6.2 Revisions and estimates
6.3 Comparison with other data sources
7 Supported social sector housing
7.1 Source and definitions
7.2 Revisions and estimates
7.3 Comparison with other data sources
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8 Local authority lettings
8.1 Source and definitions
8.2 Revisions and estimates
8.3 Comparison with other data sources
9 Local authority evictions
9.1 Source and definitions
9.2 Revisions and estimates
9.3 Comparison with other data sources
10 Housing Register statistics
10.1 Source and definitions
10.2 Revisions and estimates
10.3 Comparison with other data sources
11 Houses in multiple occupation
11.1 Source and definitions
11.2 Revisions and estimates
11.3 Comparison with other data sources
12 Scheme of assistance
12.1 Source and definitions
12.2 Revisions and estimates
12.3 Comparison with other data sources
13 Rent registrations
13.1 Source and definitions
13.2 Revisions and estimates
13.3 Comparison with other data sources
14 Housing revenue account
14.1 Source and definitions
14.2 Revisions and estimates
14.3 Comparison with other data sources
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Housing statistics for Scotland present comprehensive data on housing activity in
Scotland. The tables include information on new housing supply, public sector stock and house sales, local authority housing management, supported housing and houses in multiple occupation (HMO).
These statistics are used by a large number of internal and external stakeholders for a variety of purposes. These statistics are used by the Scottish Government to monitor the impact of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010, and to provide evidence for housing policy. The house building starts and completions are a key part of the evidence base which informs the development and evaluation of housing policy by central and local government. The statistics are also used by local authorities to plan their Housing Need and Demand Assessments (HNDAs) New build and new housing supply statistics contribute to the Scottish Government’s National Outcome “We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need”. A National Indicator is to “increase the rate of new house building”.
Further information on uses of the data can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-
Regeneration/HSfS/DataUses
Information on housing statistics available, and a comparison of methodologies, for other UK countries can be found through the following link to the Department for
Communities and Local Government website: http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingst atisticsby/housebuilding/livetables/
All of the statistics for Scotland are supplied from local authority administrative and management systems. Therefore there is no error associated with these statistics.
However, care should be taken when using the statistics, as the definition of what is being counted may differ from perceived understanding. This is particularly relevant to the housing register statistics.
These statistics record the additions to housing supply
– new build, refurbishments and conversions for housing use – for the private sector, councils and housing associations.
This is administrative data from local authority systems, recorded on the quarterly
NB1 and NB2 statistical returns for council and private house building completions, annual Stock 4 return on conversions, and also information from the Affordable
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Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) (formally Affordable Housing Investment
Programme (AHIP)) on housing association new build and refurbishment. It records all new build housing, refurbishments and conversions for housing use. NB2 returns collecting private house building is collected a quarter behind the local authority NB1 return
New house building: Houses completed by or for housing associations, local authorities or private developers for below market rent or low cost home ownership; houses completed for market sale by private developers. Site level data on private and local authority new building are provided by quarterly returns from councils. Sitelevel information on housing association starts and completions is obtained from the
Scottish Government Affordable Housing Investment database (used for the administration of housing support grants). Not all of the information on this database is what we would classify as new build. In addition to new housing supplied through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP), it also records rehabilitation or improvements to existing dwellings, and whether the housing will be for social rent, low cost home ownership etc.
Refurbishment: Houses acquired by housing associations and refurbished either for rent or low cost home ownership. Refurbishment of private dwellings funded wholly or partly through the Affordable Housing Investment Programme.
Conversion: Buildings converted for housing use.
Revisions may be made to the quarterly statistics as revised data are received from local authorities. The main reason for these revisions is to reallocate activity to the correct quarter, as there may be delays in registering activity, such as the completion certificate, within the local authority. In some circumstances, local authorities are unable to provide a quarterly update. In these situations, an estimate of activity is made based on previous years data. Estimates for new private house building in
Highland have been used because of outstanding returns since 2006 quarter 3.
Starts and completions data for the missing quarters have been calculated by estimating Highland's contribution to national new build housing starts, based on previous years.
Total new build:
The NHBC also publish new house building statistics. There are differences between the NHBC new build figures and those published by the Scottish Government due to the coverage of the two collections and the definitions applied. The Scottish
Government new build statistics are full coverage of all new build houses, while those from the NHBC are derived from its registered builders, who construct approximately 80% of the new homes built in the UK. The variance between the
NHBC figures and the national statistics at the UK level is generally around 80%. In
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Scotland, where there is a higher rate of non-NHBC registered build than in England, that variance between the Scottish Government statistics and the NHBS statistics can be greater than 80%. A comparison of the annual new build figures between the sources shows variance of between 42% and 83% for Scotland. The highest variance is in the years 2008,2009 and 2010 when new build activity was at lower rates than in previous years. The impact of builders not registered with the NHBC in
Scotland accounts for much of this variance.
The NHBC statistics are derived from applications with the NHBC. As such they reflect an intention to build, while the Scottish Government statistics regard a dwelling is as started on the date that work begins on the foundations of the block of which the dwelling will form a part, and not on the date when site preparations begin.
Due to delays in registering starts, some dwellings will be recorded as having been started in the quarter following the one in which this actually took place. As the
NHBC figures reflect an intention to build they may give an earlier indication of market trends, while the Scottish Government figures reflect the actual activity undertaken.
With the NHBC completions figures, a registered house is deemed completed when the NHBC building inspector considers the house is satisfactorily completed in respect of NHBC’s technical requirements. This is normally prior to (but generally signifies the house is ready for) occupation. The Scottish Government completions statistics regard a dwelling as complete when it is ready for occupation, whether it is in fact occupied or not and, if occupied, whether or not a full completion certificate has been issued.
Affordable housing new build:
Housing association starts and completions are obtained from the Scottish
Government Affordable Housing Investment database (used for the administration of housing support grants). Other data sources for affordable housing new build are the statistics on the number of affordable homes receiving planning consents which can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/09/17092653/0 . These statistics measure planning consents, not actual build activity, and are used to monitor active affordable housing at the first stage of provision. Active provision is that which involves intervention, either by way of public subsidy or through negotiations/contributions agreed with private developers. The return does not report information on housing provision where the market price of the local area makes it affordable to people on modest incomes without any intervention. It collects information on each application with affordable housing provision (built units, land contributions, commuted payments and other types of provision), which was granted planning consent. This includes both full and outline planning consents. It is important to stress that this survey is of planning consents for new affordable housing provision. It is not a survey of newly built affordable units or units under construction, rather information is recorded on affordable units at the first stage of delivery, i.e. the granting of planning consent.
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These statistics provide estimates of dwelling stock by tenure (private sector, registered social landlords and local authority) and gives estimates of occupied and vacant dwelling stock.
Private sector: This includes dwellings owned by private landlords, whether persons or companies, and owner-occupiers. The tenure of privately owned stock is dependant on occupancy. From 2001 the privately owned vacant dwellings are shown separately. The number of vacant dwellings is not known prior to March 2001 and so these are included within owner occupied and rented privately.
Housing associations/ Registered Social Landlords (RSLs): These are societies, bodies of trustees, or companies established for the purpose of providing housing accommodation on a non-profit making basis. They also provide housing for special groups such as the aged, disabled, single persons, or housing on a mutual or selfbuild basis. In recent years, associations have extended their activities into provision of low cost housing for home ownership. In addition, registered associations (those registered with the Scottish Housing Regulator (formerly Scottish Homes /
Communities Scotland)) are heavily engaged in the regeneration of inner city areas through both rehabilitation and new building. Non-registered associations are, in the main, now operating on a management basis only. Socially rented figures include occupied and vacant dwellings as the tenure of socially rented stock is not dependant on the dwelling being occupied.
Local Authorities: Dwellings owned by 26 of the 32 local authorities for social rent, i.e. council housing. Local Authorities replaced the former District Councils in 1996.
Six authorities transferred their stock wholesale to RSLs in the first decade of the
21st century. In recent years, councils have largely been operating their housing programmes on a management only basis, but there is now a new phase of building in a number of areas.
Scottish Housing Regulator: This is an executive agency of the Scottish Government which replaced Communities Scotland, Regulation and Inspection Division on 1 April
2008. They exercise, independently, the regulatory powers of Scottish Ministers in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.
New Towns: In Scotland, New Town Development Corporations were established under the New Towns Acts for the purpose of laying out and developing New Towns.
The New Towns in each region, with their designation and wind-up dates, are as follows:
- Cumbernauld, Strathclyde Region (est. December 1955): Wound-up 31
December 1996. 1,275 houses were transferred to North Lanarkshire Council and
2,200 houses were transferred to Scottish Homes on 30 September 1996.
- East Kilbride, Strathclyde Region (est. May 1947): Wound-up 31 December
1995. 7,834 houses were transferred to East Kilbride District Council (now South
Lanarkshire Council) at the end of November 1995.
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- Glenrothes, Fife Region (est. June 1948): Wound-up 31 December 1995.
4,783 houses and 2,700 garages were transferred to Kirkcaldy District Council (now
Fife Council) on 28 September 1995.
- Irvine, Strathclyde Region (est. November 1966): Wound-up 31 December
1996. 1,978 houses were transferred to North Ayrshire Council and 715 houses were transferred to Irvine Housing Association on 29 November 1996.
-Livingston, Lothian Region (est. April 1962): Wound-up 31 December 1996.
3,651 houses were transferred to West Lothian Council on 1 November 1996. 1,516 houses were transferred to Almond Housing Association on 29 October 1996, and
66 sheltered houses were transferred to Bield Housing Association on 21 October
1996.
Stock transfers took place in Dumfries & Galloway, Glasgow and Scottish Borders in
2003, in Argyll & Bute and Eilean Siar in 2006 and Inverclyde in 2007. Estimates for
2003 onwards will reflect this change of tenure.
Methodology for estimates to December 2000: Estimates of the dwelling stock are based on the 1991 Census, updated each year using information provided by local authorities on new house building, conversion of property to housing use, and demolitions, together with public authorities’ stock counts and Scottish
Homes’/Communities Scotland’s data on housing association stock. Transfers of stock from one sector to another must also be taken into account, for example sales of public authority dwellings to tenants (owner occupiers). Most of this information on stock transfers is also provided directly to the Scottish Executive. However, no regular information is available on transfers from the private rented sector into owner occupation, and such changes in tenure have not been taken into account when producing the estimates.
Methodology for estimates after December 2001: The methodology used for the estimates since 2001 was revised for the February 2008 update in order to capture the growth in the private rented sector in recent years. It has now been revised further for the November 2008 update to show the breakdown of privately owned stock into occupied and vacant. Dwelling stock estimates at March each year are based on the NRS dwelling counts (mid point of the two surrounding September dwelling counts). Local authority and housing association stock at March each year are subtracted to give an estimate of the privately owned stock. Vacant dwelling stock estimates for March each year are based on NRS vacant dwelling counts.
From these local authority and housing association vacant stock counts at March each year are subtracted to leave an estimate for the privately owned vacant stock including second homes. This is then subtracted from the privately owned stock to give an estimate for the privately owned, occupied stock. Scottish Household Survey figures are used to estimate the proportion of privately owned, occupied property that is privately rented. This is subtracted to give an estimate of the number of owner occupied stock.
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Estimates up to 2000 are based on the 1991 Census. Estimates from 2001 onwards are based on the 2001 Census, NRS dwelling counts and Scottish Household
Survey (SHS) tenure splits and are not strictly comparable.
The tenure of privately owned stock is dependant on occupancy. From 2001 the privately owned vacant dwellings are shown separately. The number of vacant dwellings is not known prior to March 2001 and so these are included within owner occupied and rented privately. Socially rented figures include occupied and vacant dwellings as the tenure of socially rented stock is not dependant on the dwelling being occupied.
Stock transfers took place in Dumfries & Galloway, Glasgow and Scottish Borders in
2003, in Argyll & Bute and Eilean Siar in 2006 and Inverclyde in 2007. Estimates for
2003 onwards will reflect this change of tenure.
The Scottish Household Survey website presents information on housing stock by tenure. Chapter 3 on Housing contains tables on tenure of household: by year, by household type, by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, by Urban Rural
Classification and by length of time at current address: http://scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/17093111/4
The National Records for Scotland (NRS) produce statistics on occupied and vacant dwellings for all sectors each year at local authority and data zone level: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/households/estimates/2010/list-oftables.html
Local Governance and Reform Analytical Unit publish estimates of the number of dwellings as collected in the Council Tax Base Return (CTAXBASE) for September each year. This is available at local authority level and is inline with the NRS dwelling estimates other than where noted. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Local-Government-
Finance/DatasetsCouncilTax
National Records of Scotland (NRS) publish Household and Dwelling Estimates
Across the UK . This paper outlines the methods used to produce estimates of households and dwellings in the four UK countries. http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/household-estimates/householdestimates-across-uk.pdf
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These statistics provide information on all local authority dwelling stock, irrespective of whether it is available for letting.
The Stock 1 return collects basic information on all local authority stock of dwellings as at 31 March each year, whether or not it is currently available for letting. However it excludes dwellings that are currently out of use and expected to be out of use for at least a year. The information collected relates to the properties rather than any potential uses: age and dwelling type; method of construction; normal use; and any nomination agreements as at 31 st March.
A dwelling is a building or part of a building which forms a separate and selfcontained set of premises designed to be occupied by one household. Includes any building or part of a building designed or adapted for multiple occupation by a group of small households with some shared facilities. Does not include institutional hostels with communal catering.
A permanent dwelling is a dwelling where the walls are of brick, stone, concrete block or similar material and which had a design life of 60 years or more at the time of construction. Include dwellings of non-traditional construction with a 60 year design life. Chalets, Terrapins and similar dwellings are considered non-permanent and should not be included.
A house is a dwelling divided vertically from every other dwelling and with its principal access from ground level. Include detached, semi-detached and terraced houses.
A flat is a dwelling on one floor, which only occupies a part of the building.
A maisonette is a dwelling on more than one floor, which only occupies a part of the building.
A high rise flat is a flat in a building of 5 storeys or more with a lift.
A tenement flat is a flat in a building of two or more floors containing two or more flats with a shared access.
A 4 in a block dwelling is a building that contains 4 flats, each with their own access.
Non-traditional construction refers to dwellings where the structure and/or external cladding has been pre-fabricated to a significant extent or where the external walling is of no-fines concrete or timber frame with brick or block cladding.
Letting stock includes all dwellings which are either currently let or are available or potentially available for letting. The following are not normal letting stock:
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Designated temporary accommodation for homeless households
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Other, which includes: o Tied housing o Dwellings which are currently out of use and expected to be permanently out of use because of planned demolition
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o Dwellings which are currently out of use and expected to be out of use for at least a year o Dwellings which are classed as low demand o Dwellings used solely for decant.
Nomination arrangements – Arrangements for dwellings that are not owned by the authority but to which the authority has a documented agreement to nominate tenants. This includes all housing associations and other social landlords that the authority has a written nomination agreement, or an informal arrangement with.
The figures may contain estimates where an authority is unable to return data. These are revised in the next scheduled publication following receipt of revised data.
Total dwelling counts, and counts of 'houses' and 'all flats' should be considered accurate and consistent between years. Distinctions between different sub-types of flat may vary between years in a given authority and the basis for designating stock to a type may differ between LAs as authorities differ in their ability to supply this information. These statistics should therefore only be considered to be estimates.
Full details are included in footnotes to the published tables.
Stock figures for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) are collected by the Scottish
Housing regulator. The local authority stock figures are combined with the RSL stock figures to provide statistics for the whole social sector. These are published alongside the housing statistics. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-
Regeneration/HSfS/socialhousing
The Scottish Household Survey website presents information on housing stock by tenure. Chapter 3 on Housing contains tables on tenure of household: by year, by household type, by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, by Urban Rural
Classification and by length of time at current address: http://scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/17093111/4
The Scottish House Condition Survey Key Findings Reports present estimates of housing stock by type of dwelling and tenure: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/SHCS/Downloads
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Part III of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, as amended, gives most Scottish secure tenants the right to buy their homes, provided they are eligible and their home is not exempt. The ‘applications by sitting tenants’ figures concerning public authority house sales include right to buy, rent to mortgage, and voluntary sales.
For right to buy sales , the selling price is determined by the market value of the property less a discount (as laid down in section 62 of the Act). In turn, the level of discount is heavily reliant upon when the pre-purchase tenancy commenced, with those starting after 30 September 2002 being subject to modernised right to buy terms. Under the previous terms, the minimum discount in respect of a house is 32% after two years, plus an additional 1% for each year, up to a maximum discount of
60%. For flats, the minimum discount is 44% of the market value, plus an additional
2% for each year beyond two years occupation by the tenant, up to a maximum discount of 70%
Under modernised right to buy, there is a single discount structure for all property types which starts at 20% of market value after the initial five-year qualifying period and then increases by 1% a year up to a maximum of 35% or £15,000, whichever is lower. Applications to purchase may include an element of the ‘cost floor’, which is covered by section 62(6A) of the 1987 Act and a specific determination. Under the cost floor rules, a discount may be restricted where the price, taking into account the discount to which the tenant is entitled, is less than the admissible costs incurred in providing, improving or maintaining the house over a period broadly 10 years prior to the application to purchase being submitted
Houses owned by non-charitable housing associations came within the right to buy legislation in January 1987. For voluntary sales, the Secretary of State has issued a general consent permitting discounts of 30% for houses and 40% for flats, plus an additional 1% and 2% respectively for houses and flats for each year of tenancy up to maximum levels of 60% and 70%
Rent to mortgage sales were first introduced as a pilot scheme in October 1989 for tenants of Scottish Homes/Communities Scotland and the New Town Development
Corporations. From 1 April 1991 this was extended to local authority tenants. A new statutory rent to mortgage Scheme for all public authority tenants was introduced on
27 September 1993 via the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act
1993. However, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 repealed the rent to mortgage scheme with effect from 30 September 2002 (this did not affect people already buying through this mechanism).
Voluntary Sales are included under the RTB legislation. They are made to sitting tenants who do not fulfil the RTB conditions, largely because they have not lived in a property for the minimum time period necessary to qualify. Scottish Ministers have issued a general consent to landlords which allows them to sell their houses at 30% discount. Landlords can also apply to Scottish Ministers for individual consent if they wish to sell at less than best
– in other words for more than 30%. Occasionally voluntary sales also occur where the tenant has already purchased a property under the RTB legislation and this has affected his / her discount.
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Sales to other individuals involve the sale of council house property on the open market to non-sitting tenants who may wish to purchase a council property. There are no discounts involved in this type of sale.
Tenants Choice Sales do not actually involve the sale of a property to a tenant, but a change in the tenant’s landlord. This may happen if a local authority property passes to a housing authority, or one housing association sells a property to another.
Block sales and transfers were common when the New Towns were disbanded.
They essentially involve the straight sale or transfer of more than property in a single transaction on the same day.
The SALES1 summary return collects information on applications for and sales of local authority owned housing only. It covers all sales, not just sales to sitting tenants. Sales figures in local authorities that have transferred their housing stock to housing associations are excluded from the local authority figures.
The SALES3 case based return collects information on sales to sitting tenants only.
This includes right to buy sales, rent to mortgage sales and voluntary sales.
To create a consistent time series of right to buy sales and compare trends across
Scotland, sales figures in local authorities that have transferred their housing stock to housing associations are included in the figures.
These returns cover the local authority sales only. Data for Scottish Homes and
Housing associations is collected by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
Sitting tenants sales include right to buy (old terms), right to buy (modernised terms from 2003 q4 onwards) and rent to mortgage (discontinued from January 2003).
Data may include estimates based on previous data due to outstanding returns.
Where this occurs, revisions will be made at the next scheduled publication after receipt of the data.
The Scottish Housing Regulator collects statistics on stock sales by RSLs. These are available at: http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpa ges/shr_statisticstables2009-10.hcsp#TopOfPage
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For those interested in social housing statistics as a whole, statistics pulling together data for both local authorities and RSLs are available from the Scottish
Government’s Housing Statistics for Scotland webpage. These statistics combine those collected by the Scottish Government on Local authority sales and Scottish
Housing Regulator on RSL sales: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-
Regeneration/HSfS/socialhousing
The Scottish Household Survey can be used to derive the number of tenants in social housing and their length of tenure. This can be used to calculate an estimate of tenants who may qualify for preserved RtB terms, modernised RtB terms, and those with no RtB terms. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002
Public sector dwellings can be vacant for a variety of reasons, such as being part of a planned disposal or modernisation/repair programme, or in low demand areas
The Stock 2 return asks about local authority vacant property as at 31 March each year. The return distinguishes between dwellings vacant in high/medium demand areas (where the void rate is a good indicator of management performance) and dwellings vacant for other reasons (where a high void rate may be unrelated to management performance).
The return is issued annually to local authorities and records the following snapshot summary information as at 31 March each year:
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Current status of the vacant dwellings (e.g. used as temporary accommodation, awaiting demolition/sale/improvement, identified as in low-demand area)
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Length of vacancy - under 2 weeks, 2-6 weeks, 6-26 weeks, 26 weeks-2 years, over 2 years.
Stock figures include estimates based on previous data due to outstanding returns.
Following housing stock transfers, figures for Glasgow and Scottish Borders are excluded from 2003 onwards, Dumfries & Galloway from 2004, Eilean Siar and
Argyll & Bute are excluded from 2007 and Inverclyde from 2008. Following the transfer of Scottish Homes housing stock during 2005, figures from 2006 onwards do not include Scottish Homes figures.
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In 2010 there was a project underway vacating and demolishing high rise properties in Dundee and hence the increase in vacant stock (never to be relet
(demolition) figure). It was estimated that vacant stock waiting to be demolished in
Dundee in 2011 fell in the 26 weeks to 2 years category.
Edinburgh is unable to break down vacant properties that are used as accommodation for homeless households, awaiting demolition, or undergoing modernisation. Where this applies, the statistical tables indicate this as ‘not available’.
Vacancy rate of total stock includes those dwellings unavailable to let due to planned demolition or modernisation which are entirely unavailable to be let. Numbers of such properties will differ markedly among LAs and over time and therefore the vacancy rate does not reflect the performance of that LA in managing vacancies and allocations.
The vacancy rate of normal letting stock shown in the statistics uses the total number of letting stock given on the Stock 1 return as the denominator. Some councils are unable to distinguish between low demand and other available stock when providing this figure.
It is known that the Local Authorities of Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, East
Renfrewshire, Moray, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Perth & Kinross, South
Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire include their low demand properties with their letting stock at present.
The National Records for Scotland (NRS) produce statistics on occupied and vacant dwellings for all sectors (not by tenure) each year at local authority and data zone level: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/households/estimates/2010/list-oftables.html
Data on occupied and vacant dwellings at local authority level are also available from
Local Governance and Reform Analytical Unit as collected in the Council Tax Base
Return (CTAXBASE). This in general corresponds with the data zone level data published by NRS and is available sooner. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Local-Government-
Finance/DatasetsCouncilTax
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This data is mainly used in monitoring changes in the total housing stock and in stock tenure. It is also used in stock estimation. This data is also incorporated into the assessment of National Indicator 32 which measures the supply of new housing in Scotland.
Details of conversions and demolitions are collected from local authorities on the
Stock4 return. The return collects statistics on tenure of houses demolished, closed, or taken out of housing use; number of dwellings acquired by the local authority from the private sector; and Conversions (no tenure breakdown).
The return was issued to local authorities for completion each quarter, until the first quarter of 2007, when it became an annual data collection, and now forms part of the
Housing Statistics Annual Return. This part of the return seeks the number of dwellings provided during the period by conversion. It does not provide tenure information. The return collects the number of non-domestic properties that have been converted and the number of new dwellings created through these conversions. They largely refer to large buildings such as warehouses, barns, shops or churches that have been converted into dwellings. Some of the non-domestic property conversions include estimates based on previous returns, where authorities have been unable to return data.
It also collects statistics about the number of existing dwellings that have been integrated and the number of new dwellings created through this integration. They largely refer to smaller dwellings that have been converted into larger dwellings creating a net loss. For example, where two semi-detached cottages are knocked through to create a larger house. Information is collected on the number of existing dwellings that have been subdivided and number of new dwellings created through these sub-divisions. They largely refer to larger dwellings that have been divided into smaller dwellings to give a net increase. For example, where a large town house is converted into several flats.
Demolitions and other stock taken out of housing use collects information on the tenure of houses demolished, closed, or taken out of housing use. Information about houses ‘demolished but previously reported as closed’ is included so that houses closed and then demolished are not twice counted as reductions in the housing stock. Authorities are asked to state the number of houses ‘taken out of housing use’ in the period, if known. Houses can go out of housing use for a number of reasons, for example through conversion to office or shops or by being used in rural areas for purposes connected with agriculture, for example as a store.
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Demolitions data is provided by the local authority. Local authority demolition figures are accurate and generally comprise the majority of activity, but authorities differ in their ability to provide information on other tenure demolitions. For some councils this includes RSL demolitions only and privately owned data is not available. Others rely on building warrants for demolition which may underestimate the true figure. We advise that these data should be considered as a minimum level of demolition activity in Scotland and are not comprehensive.
Following the transfer of housing stock to housing association ownership in 2003,
Glasgow City Council have had difficulty in providing demolitions data. Annual figures from The Scottish Housing Regulator on demolitions of housing association dwellings have been used as an estimate of the total number of demolitions in
Glasgow each year. These figures are likely to be a slight under-estimate of the total number of demolitions as they exclude demolitions of privately owned dwellings.
Demolitions figures include estimates based on previous data due to outstanding returns.
Information on RSL owned stock is collected by the Scottish Housing Regulator: http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpa ges/shr_statisticstables-stock.hcsp#TopOfPage .
Housing for older people and those with disabilities is provided by both public authorities and housing associations. In addition, programmes such as Supporting
People have helped to meet specific housing needs of older and other vulnerable people to give them the opportunity to continue to live in their own homes. Housing for people with varying needs is currently mainly classified as very sheltered, sheltered, medium dependency, adapted for wheelchair and ambulant disabled, although figures can vary from year to year as dwellings may be adapted to suit the particular needs of tenants, or re-classified by providers.
Data for Local Authority owned housing is provided by councils on the S1B form, which now forms part of the Housing Statistics Annual Return. Comparable information for Registered Social Landlords is provided by the Scottish Housing
Regulator from their Annual Performance and Statistical Return.
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The annual S1B return collects information on the number of local authority houses for the elderly, and for those with disabilities, split by the following categories:

Older people: Very sheltered, sheltered (and of which wheelchair adapted), medium dependency, total dwellings with community alarm.

People with disabilities: adapted for wheelchair use, ambulant disabled, other adapted
Very sheltered housing - This form of housing (sometimes known as ‘care’ and
‘extra care’ housing) generally has all the features listed for sheltered housing, but will usually have special bathroom facilities. In addition, a greater level of care and support is offered through the service of extra wardens, full-time carers or domiciliary assistance and the provision of meals.
Sheltered Housing - The design is based on the standards for general needs housing with the addition of the following features: i. the housing should be provided at ground or first floor level, or in blocks over
2 storeys high served by at least one lift ii. space standards should be the same as for one or two person general needs houses iii. handrails should be provided on both sides of all common access stairs, and on at least one side of all common access areas and passages iv. bathroom doors should be either sliding or capable of opening outwards, and fitted with locks operable from the outside v. bathroom floors should have a non-slip finish vi. handrails should be fitted beside the WC and bath/shower vii. a space heating system must be provided which is capable of maintaining a temperature of 21C when the outside temperature is
–1C in the following parts of the house: living area, sleeping area, kitchen, bathroom, hallway viii. light switches arranged to line horizontally with door handles ix. socket outlets fixed at a height of at least 500mm above the floor x. a warden service should be provided. xi. an emergency call service should be provided connecting each house to a warden system
Sheltered wheelchair housing - The design is adapted to wheelchair standards but also has the features listed above for sheltered housing. It is for elderly people confined to wheelchairs, rather than for other such disabled people.
Amenity housing - The design is based on the standards of general needs housing with the addition of those features listed in 2.(i) to 2.(ix) of the sheltered housing definition above. There is no warden, and a community alarm may or may not be fitted.
Community alarm - A system of alarms in more than one special needs house that is linked to a central point. This is either manned or temporarily supervised, or connected via a telephone link-up to a point where a response to a distress call can be guaranteed.
Wheelchair housing - This consists of dwellings for people confined to wheelchairs.
It is built or adapted to give extra floor area, whole house heating, and special bathroom, kitchen and other features.
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Ambulant disabled housing - This consists of dwellings for people with disabilities who are not confined to wheelchairs. It is built or adapted to general needs housing standards but has a level or ramped approach, WC and bathroom at entrance level and other special features.
Other specially adapted housing - Dwellings with other adaptations, such as those with renal dialysis equipment, should be included here, if information is available.
Exclusions -
Wardens’ housing and Hostel accommodation should be excluded.
Very sheltered figures include units previously classified as medium dependency or wheelchair housing.
Medium dependency housing is sometimes known as amenity housing. Dwellings are adapted to suit particular needs of tenants, so numbers in these categories may rise or fall from year to year.
Figures may include estimates by providers. If a provider is unable to supply an estimate, values will be marked as not available. If no return is received, estimates will be based on previous data.
Following housing stock transfers, figures for Glasgow and Scottish Borders are not included from 2003, Dumfries & Galloway from 2004, Eilean Siar and Argyll & Bute from 2007 and Inverclyde from 2008.
Data was not collected for 2000. Prior to 2000 the breakdown of agencies responsible is not available.
:
Similar information is provided annually by the Scottish Housing Regulator for housing associations. http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpa ges/shr_homepage.hcsp
The Scottish House Condition Survey ( SHCS) is the only national survey of housing and households undertaken in Scotland. It combines both an interview with occupants and a physical inspection of dwellings to build up a picture of Scotland's occupied housing stock which covers all types of households and dwellings across the entire country - whether owned or rented, flats or houses. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/23125350/0
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The Scottish Health Survey ( SHeS) provides a detailed picture of the health of the
Scottish population in private households and is designed to make a major contribution to the monitoring of health in Scotland. It is essential for the Scottish
Government's forward planning, for identifying gaps in health services provision and for identifying which groups are at particular risk of future ill-health. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey
Information on Care Homes for older people and other groups is published by ISD
Scotland. This is collected from a census of all care homes registered with the Care
Commission irrespective of tenure. http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics//Health-and-Social-Community-
Care/Publications/index.asp
These statistics measure information on new local authority lettings made to tenants and local authority dwellings becoming vacant.
The lettings and evictions returns were issued to local authorities for completion each quarter, until the first quarter of 2007, when they became annual data collections, and they now form part of the Housing Statistics Annual Return.
The lettings return seeks information on new lettings made to tenants and dwellings falling vacant during the quarter. Information collected:
- Local authority dwellings falling vacant during the period and which are available for re-letting.
- Permanent lettings made to local authority stock during the period by source of tenant: transfers (existing tenants); Homeless households; Care in the community;
Housing Register; Incoming mobility scheme; and Other sources.
- Tenancy changes within the local authority stock during the period.
- Dwellings for which nomination were invited during the period (whether or nor taken up).
- Permanent lettings made as a result of nominations to other social landlord’s stock during the period.
Lettings figures include estimates based on previous data due to outstanding returns. Published statistics are revised in the next scheduled publication following receipt of revised data.
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Following housing stock transfers, figures for Glasgow, Scottish Borders and
Dumfries & Galloway are not included from 2003-04, Eilean Siar and Argyll & Bute from 2007-08 and Inverclyde from 2008-09.
The Scottish Government SCORE data collection collects information on all net tenancies in RSL owned properties. This combined with the local authority lettings statistics can be used to provide an estimate of all new tenancies in the social housing sector.
SCORE provides information on the property being let, and information on the household (such as source of tenant) including socio economic data which allows the calculation of statistics such as affordability. http://www.scoreonline.org.uk/
The data sources provide information on new tenancies only. They are therefore not representative of all tenancies, some of which will be long standing.
The Scottish Housing regulator collects and publishes performance tables for the
RSL’s based on information collected in the Annual Performance and Statistical
Return (APSR), financial tables based on information input by RSLs from their audited accounts, data which can be used for benchmarking purposes. This can be accessed at: http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpa ges/shr_statistics.hcsp#TopOfPage
Joint tables on lettings by source, combining the Local Authority data and RSL data have been published at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-
Regeneration/HSfS/socialhousing .
The Scottish Government publishes a range of information on Homelessness, including the number of lets for homeless households, collected through the HL1 return: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-
Regeneration/RefTables
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These statistics report on formal eviction actions taken against local authority tenants.
The evictions return seeks information on eviction actions taken against Local
Authority tenants. This includes the number of notices of proceedings issued; the number of cases proceeding to court; the number of eviction orders issued by the court; the number of actions resulting in an abandoned dwelling; the number of actions resulting in an eviction; and the number of post decree tenancies granted / technical evictions.
For each of these categories, the number of actions taken on the grounds of antisocial behaviour are recorded.
The form was introduced in 2001, and was completed on a quarterly basis until end
March 2007, when it became an annual data collection. Statistics on the number of notices of proceedings issued and the number of post decree tenancies granted / technical evictions are available from 2009/10 only.
These statistics count evictions actions, not cases against individuals. Cases that resulted in more than one action during the quarter are counted against each action.
Actions consist of those taking place during the year and an eviction may result from a case that proceeded to court during previous years.
The local authority evictions statistics include cases resulting in abandonment of a dwelling.
Evictions figures include estimates based on previous data due to outstanding returns. Published data is revised at the next scheduled publication following receipt of revised data from local authorities.
Following housing stock transfers, figures for Glasgow and Scottish Borders are not included from 2003 quarter 2, Dumfries & Galloway from 2003 quarter 3, Eilean Siar from 2006 quarter 3, Argyll & Bute from 2006 quarter 4 and Inverclyde from 2007/08.
Following a change in the recording system, break down by Rent Arrears is available for 2009-10, the total figure also includes elements of other.
Authorities may alter the way they classify abandonments and evictions. Where this is known to have occurred, it is highlighted in the published tables.
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These statistics cover local authority evictions only. Evictions statistics for RSL’s are collected by the Scottish Housing regulator: http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpa ges/shr_statistics.hcsp#TopOfPage
Joint tables, combining the Local Authority data and RSL data have been published at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-
Regeneration/HSfS/socialhousing .
Section 11 legislation gives local authorities early notice of households at risk of homelessness due to eviction and places a duty on landlords (except local authority landlords) and creditors to notify the relevant local authority when they raise proceedings for possession or serve certain other notices. Statistics on this can be found on the Scottish Government website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-
Regeneration/RefTables
These statistics measure the number of applications for a local authority dwelling on local authority housing registers and common housing registers. They are commonly referred to as ‘waiting list’ statistics although they are a count of the number of applications received, not a count of the number of households applying for local authority housing.
The annual Housing Lists return was introduced in March 2001. It records changes to the number of applications for a local authority dwelling on local authority housing registers and common housing registers during the year to 31 March. Other information concerning local authority operation of common housing registers is also recorded.
It is important to note this is not the number of individuals (or households) applying for local authority housing, but the number of applications received by local authorities for social housing. Each application made is counted. Therefore if a household makes an application to five registers, this will be recorded as five in the statistics. Some applicants will be on more than one authority's list, and the Scotland total therefore includes an unquantifiable amount of double counting.
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Data issues:

Total figures for Scotland may not equal the sum of the waiting list and transfer list columns as some local authorities are unable to break down totals. Where councils operate a common housing register, lists are not separated between local authority and RLS’s. In most cases the figures are from the register for the councils' own housing and do not include any applications on registered social landlord lists. The exceptions are Aberdeen City 2001 – 2007; Angus from
2010; East Dunbartonshire from 2011; East Renfrewshire from 2010; Edinburgh from 2004; Fife from 2007; Highland from 2010; North Ayrshire from 2010;
North Lanarkshire from 2010; Orkney from 2007; Perth and Kinross from 2001;
Renfrewshire 2006 only; Shetland from 2006; South Lanarkshire 2010 only;
West Lothian from 2009.

Some applicants will be on more than one authority's list, and the Scotland total therefore includes an unquantifiable amount of double counting. While numbers of applications are recorded accurately within each authority, there is difficulty in recording actual numbers of people wishing to access all social housing and also in determining their current tenure. In addition to the inevitable doublecounting of people who apply to more than one local authority, households often apply for both council and RSL housing in their desired area. They may no longer need a social house as they take up tenancies with other housing providers or for other reasons but may not be removed from the housing list immediately. Official statistics obtained from an Omnibus Survey carried out in
February 2011 estimate the number of households (irrespective of the number of applications they have made) which contain someone who is currently on a social housing list to be around 128,000. However as these questions are only asked of a sample of the population there is a level of uncertainty around each of these estimates. To provide some idea of the level of uncertainty around each value the 95% confidence level is provided. This provides the range of values within which we can be confident that the true value sits. The number of individuals who said they are currently on a social housing list in 2011 is between 97,500 and 158,500. It should be noted that these confidence levels have been calculated without taking account of the design of the omnibus survey and therefore may underestimate the true level of uncertainty. These statistics provide an estimate which eliminates the double counting included in the administrative data collected annually from councils and housing associations.

Some local authorities operate a combined waiting and transfer list, and so cannot provide a breakdown. While the number of applications registered on the Housing Register as at 31 March is deemed to be robust, the split into those on a transfer list and those on a waiting list are less reliable as some councils are unable to split their housing register into waiting and transfer lists. For these councils, estimates were made by assuming the same proportions as for the rest of Scotland, and are rounded to the nearest 100.
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Total figures for Scotland may not equal the sum of the waiting list and transfer list columns as some local authorities are unable to break down totals. In most cases the figures are from the register for the councils' own housing and do not include any applications on registered social landlord lists, except for Aberdeen City between
2001 & 2007, Perth & Kinross from 2001, Edinburgh from 2004, Renfrewshire for
2006, Shetland from 2006, and Fife and Orkney from 2007.
Figures may include estimates based on previous data due to outstanding returns.
The number of applications to housing association housing lists is collected by the
Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR). Data is available from 2001-02. Some individuals will apply to both local authority and RSL lists, and more than one RSL list. Therefore there will be an unquantifiable amount of double counting. This data is available from the SHR http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpa ges/shr_homepage.hcsp
.
Official statistics obtained from an Omnibus Survey carried out in February 2011 estimate the number of households (irrespective of the number of applications they have made) which contain someone who is currently on a social housing list. These are published by the Scottish Government at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-
Regeneration/HSfS/StockManagement
The annual HMO return was introduced in order to monitor the mandatory licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation that came into force on 1 October 2001.
The return collects information on:

number of new applications received, refused, granted and pending during the year, by type of HMO. From 2007, the number pending from the previous year and the number withdrawn are also collected

number of applications for renewal received, refused, granted and pending during the year, by type of HMO. In 2007, the number pending from the previous year and the number withdrawn are also collected

number of licenses revoked or suspended during the year, by type of HMO

number of licenses in force at 31 March, by type of HMO
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
under the discretionary scheme - number of new applications received, refused, granted and pending during the year, by type of HMO. This was only collected until 2004.

number of applications refused by reason for refusal

number of licenses in force by size of HMO.

information about licensing fees (not included in dataset).
Applications refused and granted are not necessarily from the same year as when the application was received.
Licenses in force will exclude withdrawn applications and include applications refused and subsequently appealed. They also exclude licences which are currently in the process of being renewed.
No type of HMO breakdown available for Aberdeen City (2004, 2006, 2007), City of
Edinburgh (2006 - 2008) or Glasgow City (2003 - 2007). The breakdown for
Glasgow City in 2008 are estimates which have been provided by Glasgow City
Council. Glasgow 2011 breakdown by type based on 2010 information.
Statistics include estimates based upon previous data due to outstanding returns.
There are no alternative comparable data sources for Scotland.
The Scheme of Assistance in Part 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 came into force on 1 April 2009 with a 1 year transitional period for implementation by local authorities. The Scheme of Assistance replaces private sector house improvement grants given out under Part 13 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 and other kinds of assistance provided under section 92 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. Under the
Scheme of Assistance grants are mandatory for most work to adapt homes to meet the needs of disabled people except home extensions. The Scheme of Assistance provides wide discretionary powers for local authorities to assist home owners with improvements and repairs.
As this is the first year of this policy, not all councils were able to record everything that was asked in the data collection form. The published table is a summary of what councils provided - further breakdowns are available for some councils.
These statistics are provisional official statistics.
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The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 introduced a new Scheme of Assistance, which replaced the previous system of private sector home improvement grants. The scheme also aims to encourage home owners to take more responsibility for the condition of their homes, to ensure that private housing in Scotland is kept in a decent state of repair.
Home owners are primarily responsible for their own property under their title deeds, but local authorities have statutory powers to maintain and improve the general condition of private sector housing in their area. If an owner needs help to look after their home, the Scheme of Assistance allows local authorities broad discretionary powers to provide assistance. This assistance can be provided through advice and guidance, practical help, or through financial assistance by way of grants or loans.
But it is for the local authority to determine what kinds of assistance are made available on the basis of local priorities and budgets.
Local authorities must provide assistance to owners who have been served a statutory work notice requiring them to bring a house into a reasonable state of repair. Local authorities must provide assistance by way of grant for most work to adapt homes to meet the needs of disabled people, other than for home extensions.
All other assistance is discretionary.
Under the Scheme of Assistance local authorities must prepare a statement providing information about the assistance that is available locally.
In 2010-11 the Scottish Government collected some statistics from councils on this scheme. As this was the first year that these statistics were collected, and due to the fact that some councils were unable to record all of the information asked for, these statistics are provisional official statistics. We expect the quality of the data to improve over time as councils become familiar with monitoring the scheme - as such there may be revisions to the published data in the future.
Not all local authorities were not able to provide statistics for the 2010-11 year. This was where the number of cases was not collated or the amount spent could not be split into subcategories. Glasgow could not provide the number of cases where they provided assistance to non-disabled householders. Moray spent £30,000 on discretionary assistance for non-disabled households but had no cases attached to this sum. Number of cases may not include people assisted through some care and repair services.
There are not alternative national data sources available. Local authorities may publish further information on the operation of their schemes on their websites.
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The rent registration tables contain information on three types of case:
1. Housing benefit referrals. Local authorities are required to refer most claims for housing benefit from private sector tenants to Rent Officers. The Rent Officer's role is to calculate the amount of subsidy that the local authority can claim from the central government.
Housing benefit cases referred under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 (Tenancies established between January 1989 and April 2008): Local authorities are required to refer continuing claims for housing benefit from private sector tenants to rent officers.
The rent officer may either: a) accept the referred rent, or b) determine a market level rent for the property if the referred rent is significantly above a market level, or c) determine a notional rent for a property of the appropriate size if the size of the accommodation exceeds the needs of the tenants, or d) determine a notional rent determination which is not exceptionally high if the referred rent or the lowest of the above determinations is exceptionally high compared with accommodation of the same (or suitable) size in the locality.
The appropriate rent is the minimum of (a) - (d).
Local reference rents: Since 2 January 1996, rent officers have also been required to make an additional determination known as a local reference rent (LRR). The objective is to limit housing benefit to the general level of rents for accommodation of the same size (number of rooms) in the locality. The rent officer determines the LRR by calculating the midpoint of the range of rents (excluding exceptionally high and exceptionally low rents) for properties of the same size in the same locality.
The housing benefit tables contain information on:
 the number of cases referred
 the weekly referred rent (the amount the landlord wants to charge the tenant)
 the local reference rent (the midpoint of the range of market rents for properties of the same size in the same locality)
 the appropriate, or claim related rent (the amount of subsidy that the local authority can claim from central government)
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2. Pre-tenancy determinations (Issued between 2 January 1996 and 7 April 2008).
These enable prospective tenants and their landlords to obtain an indication of the maximum rent likely to be used to calculate housing benefit entitlement, prior to their commencement of the tenancy. The tables contain information on the number of such cases.
These were introduced on 2 January 1996 and in most instances ceased on the introduction of the Local Housing Allowance in April 2008. A small number of cases continue for certain classes of non-conventional dwelling. These enabled prospective tenants and their landlords to obtain an indication of the maximum rent likely to be used to calculate housing benefit entitlement, prior to their commencement of the tenancy. A PTD was valid for a particular tenancy for one year and applied to the original applicant and any subsequent applicants with the same household composition, provided the terms of the tenancy did not change.
3. Fair (registered) rent cases: Tenancies registered under the Rent (Scotland) Act
1984, as amended by the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988. (Tenancies established prior to 2nd January 1989) Prior to 2 January 1989 most lettings by non-resident private landlords and housing association tenancies could have a 'fair' rent registered by the rent officer. Regulated tenancies that existed prior to 2nd January
1989 continue to be covered by the Rent Act legislation as amended and additionally some housing association and private sector fair rent tenants with existing secure tenancies who are moving to a different property under the same landlord may be covered. In assessing a fair rent, rent officers must follow the rules laid down in the
Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 that require consideration of all the circumstances of the tenancy (except personal ones), and the condition of the dwelling. They will take particular account of age, state of repair, character and locality of the dwelling, but will disregard any amount attributable to scarcity of similar accommodation in the area. After three years, unless there is a substantial change in the condition of the property during this period, a revised rent may be re-registered. The statistical tables contain information on the numbers of such cases, and the referred and registered rent, by tenure.
Housing Benefit claims made by privately renting tenants whose tenancies were established between 2 January 1989 and 7 April 2008 continue to be assessed by
Rent Officers who determine an appropriate rent for the property based on the Local
Reference Rent.
Numbers of housing benefit referrals have fallen in recent years following the introduction of the local housing allowance (LHA) Further information on the local housing allowance can be found on their website at https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/
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Further information about the Rent Registration Service and the role of the Rent
Officer, can be found on the Rent Registration Service website.
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) (New tenancies from 7 April 2008): LHA was introduced from 7 April 2008, and is a new way of working out the maximum entitlements for new claims for Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord or for existing claimants who move into the Private Rented
Sector. LHA was developed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and is applicable across the UK. LHA rates are a personal allowance based on Broad
Rental Market Areas (BRMAs) and the size of property to which a household may be entitled. It is calculated as the median rent for that category of property in that area, e.g. a three-bedroom property in Highland and islands BRMA. The full LHA rate is payable, if eligible for Housing Benefit, if the tenant's rent is £15 below the LHA rate or higher. If the rent is less, a lower rate will be payable. If the tenant occupies a property that is chargeable at above the median rent for a similar property, or a property larger than that to which they are entitled, they must pay any additional rent due.
Information on the Local Housing Allowance is not currently included in these statistical tables, but current levels for all areas are available from: https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/
The tables are mainly based on information supplied by local authorities in an annual statistical return summarising income and expenditure on local authorities' housing revenue accounts. The information, supplied in early summer each year, gives near actual outturn for the previous financial year and the estimated position for the current financial year, based on councils' budgets.
Income and expenditure on housing revenue accounts is mainly concerned with letting and maintaining council houses, and will include income and expenditure on related activities such as grounds maintenance and the letting of related garages and lock-ups. In recent years, some councils have also included income and expenditure for relevant housing support services. As far as possible, the statistics identify inclusions/ exclusions which significantly affect comparisons between councils or over time.
Housing Revenue Accounts relate solely to income and expenditure on houses owned by local authorities. Over the period covered by these tables housing stock for 6 councils was transferred to newly created housing associations. These were
From 2003-04 Glasgow, Dumfries & Galloway, Scottish Borders; from 2006-07
Argyll & Bute, Eilean Siar; from 2007-08 Inverclyde. The tables show income and expenditure for these councils as not applicable, from the year in which the transfer was made.
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HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT INCOME :
Income from rents from dwelling stock gives the gross rental charge for housing stock which is available for letting. In particular this excludes rent which is attributable to dwellings which cannot be let, such as those awaiting demolition or improvement.
Income from other rents includes rents rental income from other properties such as hostels, lock-ups, garages or shops.
Hostel and housing support grant includes support grants provided by the Scottish
Government for homeless hostels and housing support grant for Shetland only. The
Housing Support Grant was a subsidy provided to councils to support council house building. For most councils this has been phased out. Shetland continues to receive
HSG loan charge support reflecting the high volume of new house building in the early 1970's to support the development of North Sea Oil.
Other income is income credited to the Housing Revenue Account which can't be allocated to any of the specific income categories. Will, for example, include income relating to hostels and payments from owner occupiers credited to the HRA.
HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE:
Loan charges include the repayment of principal, interest payments and loan charges expenses.
Expenditure on supervision and management includes all staff costs incurred running the housing service. Thus, for example it will include central administration and related costs recharged to the Housing Revenue Account and the costs and overheads of any directly employed maintenance staff, including concierges, together with any costs typically classified as “special services”. The guidance notes state explicitly that this should exclude staff costs and related overheads paid from other sources of income, or which relate to General Fund activities such as
Supporting People.
Expenditure on repairs and maintenance icludes all costs directly attributable to the repair and maintenance of the housing stock and open spaces charged to the HRA.
Will also include, for example, the costs for third-party tradesmen carrying out repairs, and other similar expenditure such as recharges to the HRA from Direct
Labour Organisations. The guidance notes state that planned maintenance or repairs which are charged to the capital programme should not be included.
Rent lost as a result of unlet houses is the amount of rent which has been lost during the year through management voids - dwellings which were available for letting, but were not let for a period of time. This excludes properties which were suspended from letting during the year.
Rent Arrears Written Off is the amount of arrears which has been written off because the council considers it to be uncollectable. Amounts can vary significantly from year
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to year and between councils depending on judgements made by councils and their auditors on the collectability of arrears.
Capital Expenditure funded from Current Revenue (CFCR) is the amount of capital expenditure funded directly from rental and other income. Capital expenditure includes planned maintenance and repair, improvement and refurbishment of houses and new house building.
CAPITAL RECEIPTS, EXPENDITURE AND DEBT:
Capital receipts from 2007-2008 this information is taken from councils' capital payments' returns (CPR returns) to the Scottish Government. The outturn data for the budgeted year are not estimated.
Capital expenditure from 2007-2008 this information is taken from councils' capital payments' returns (CPR returns) to the Scottish Government. The outturn data for the latest (budgeted year) are planned receipts. Estimates are provided on an accruals basis.
Capital debt outstanding show the amount outstanding at the end of each financial year. Changes in debt outstanding will be the result of the principal repayment component of loan charges, use of capital receipts to redeem debt set against new borrowing to fund capital expenditure.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Average unrebated weekly rent: The guidance notes ask councils to calculate this as follows:-

On the basis of a 52 week year, even if rents are charged on a 48 or 52 week basis.

Using the total rent charged to the HRA for the year excluding any service charges.

Using the total number of dwellings on the HRA (those let and management voids, but excluding dwellings suspended from letting) at the start and end of the year, divided by 2 in order to provide an average for the year.
Annual percentage rent increase is average annual percentage rent increase agreed by the council for the year.
Rent rebate exchequer subsidy is the amount of rent rebate income received from
DWP in respect of council tenants.
Rent arrears gives the estimated total rent arrears as at 31 March, excluding technical arrears. Technical arrears are where the tenant has agreed with the council to pay their rent fortnightly in arrears.
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Number of current tenants in arrears gives the number of current tenants at 31
March each year who were in arrears with their rent. This excludes those in technical arrears.
Number of former tenants in arrears gives numbers of former tenants who, at 31
March each year, owed rent to the council.
There are breaks in comparability following transfer of housing stock from 2003-04 transfer of housing stock from Glasgow, Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders; from 2006-07 transfer of housing stock from Argyll & Bute and Eilean Siar; fFrom
2007-08 transfer of housing stock from Inverclyde.
The statistics show total housing stock at September each year - i.e. in the middle of the period covered by the return. Up to September 2006 the figures shown are those supplied in the returns. From 2007 the return asked for housing stock at 31
March each year. The figures in the table are estimated as the average of the stock at the beginning and end of the financial year.
Tenants receiving / not receiving housing benefit was collected for the first time in
2010-11.
Average rents shown do not reflect the amount charged to tenants, but rather the amount earned by the council in respect of each property owned, and are calculated by dividing the Council's Standard Rental Income on Houses by the total stock at
September, divided by 52. They may therefore be expected to be lower than rents reported in other publications which take a weighted average of set rents as this method takes into account the proportion of housing which spends some time unlet and those for which rent is not successfully collected.
From 2008-09 it was clarified that Rent rebate subsidy should refer only to monies received in respect of council house tenants housed in letting stock for which standard rental incomes are calculated. Earlier years may include some rent allowance received in respect of temporary homeless tenants which is not credited to the HRA. It is known that this has been a problem for Edinburgh City Council and
West Lothian Council prior to 2008-09 and it should be noted that the percentage shown for earlier years is far higher than is accurate.
Further information is available in the Scottish Government ‘Local Authority Housing
Income and Expenditure’ publication
( http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/27083556/0 ).
Further statistics on local authority income and expenditure are available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Local-Government-Finance
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In addition, a separate annual report containing more detailed information from Final
Capital Returns, including the HRA, is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/localgovernment/17999/LACapital/capitalmonitoring
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