The Scottish Government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry: what it means for Scotland’s housing sector

By Kirsty Wells · 27 March 2025

The Scottish Government has outlined its official response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, setting out new measures to improve building safety and fire prevention across the country. Among the key commitments are plans to introduce a Compliance Plan Manager role for major construction projects, a review of fire risk assessment requirements, and steps to improve public awareness of fire safety responsibilities. These measures are designed to ensure better oversight and accountability within Scotland’s housing sector.

While these commitments are welcome, there are still questions about how they will be implemented and whether they go far enough to protect all tenants, particularly those in social housing. One of the most debated aspects of the response is the government’s approach to cladding remediation.

The Cladding Fund Controversy

To help identify unsafe cladding, the government has launched a £10m Cladding Assessment Fund. On the surface, this seems like a positive step, but the SFHA has pointed out that the fund is mainly focused on private homeowners. Social landlords, who provide homes for thousands of people, don’t yet have a clear funding route for remediation.

Carolyn Lochhead, SFHA’s director of external affairs, responded to the announcement, stating: “Those who own their homes have a clear pathway to access funding for removing unsafe cladding – but social tenants may not. That is fundamentally wrong.”

The government has said it will work with the Scottish Housing Regulator to develop criteria for further financial support, with a framework expected before the end of June 2025. However, with no finer details about what this support will look like, housing associations are left in a difficult position, trying to plan for potential costs without a firm commitment from policymakers.

What else is changing for social landlords?

Beyond the cladding issue, the government has also pledged to strengthen the building standards system, aiming to close loopholes and prevent unsafe construction practices from slipping through the net.  The proposed Compliance Plan Manager role will be responsible for ensuring that major construction projects adhere to all safety regulations, which could lead to greater accountability for developers and landlords alike.

Another key proposal is the potential introduction of mandatory periodic fire risk assessments for certain high-rise buildings. If implemented, this would require landlords to conduct regular safety checks, adding another layer of responsibility but also helping to ensure the safety of tenants.

Additionally, the Scottish Government has announced plans to review fire risk assessor competency requirements, making sure that those conducting safety assessments have the necessary expertise. This could mean stricter training and qualification requirements, which may have cost and operational implications for the sector.

How ARK can support the sector’s response
At ARK, we’ve spent over 35 years helping the social housing sector navigate complex challenges, from asset management to long-term investment planning. Given the increasing scrutiny on fire safety and compliance, our expertise has never been more important.

Our Strategic Asset Performance (ASAP) model is designed to give housing associations and local authorities the insights they need to make informed decisions. Whether it’s identifying buildings that need urgent attention, forecasting costs, or ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, ASAP helps organisations take a proactive approach.

Beyond ASAP, our asset management consultancy services support organisations in assessing their housing stock, planning investments, and ensuring properties remain safe and sustainable. With regulatory requirements constantly shifting, having expert guidance can make all the difference.

Growing Our Team in Scotland

As we continue to expand our work across Scotland, we’re on the lookout for asset management experts to join our growing associate team. If you have experience in building safety, compliance, or strategic asset planning, we’d love to hear from you.

For landlords looking for expert support, or professionals interested in joining our network, contact ARK Assistant Director Kirsty Wells. Let’s work together to make Scotland’s homes safer and more resilient for the future.