Publications
Our publications focus on the latest policy topics and practical advice that you need to do your job. CIH members can access all our publication documents for free, please ensure you are logged into the website.
The introduction of the LHA cap to the social rented sector: Full Research Report
This research report, estimates the number of young people who will be affected by local authority area and the likely financial shortfalls.
The UK Government has announced intentions to cap Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit at Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for social housing tenants from 2019. The proposals as they stand will have a significant impact on single tenants under the age of 35 who will only be entitled to the Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) which is based on the cost of renting a room rather than self-contained accommodation.
Developing effective tenant scrutiny: A practice guide for landlords and tenants
The guide builds upon the extensive work that CIH and HouseMark Scotland have carried out during the SU2S programme, and on other work taking place in Scotland to develop scrutiny activities.
The practice guide includes several examples of scrutiny in practice. These are drawn from organisations across Scotland that are engaged in involving tenants in the scrutiny of services, whether they have undertaken the SU2S programme or not.
Stepping Up to Scrutiny: Final Report
A final report on the achievements of a four-year training and learning programme ‘Stepping Up to Scrutiny’ has been published by CIH Scotland.
The programme was delivered on behalf of the Scottish Government through a partnership between the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland and HouseMark Scotland.
Dementia Pathways: Housing's role
This research focuses on improving the links between housing organisations and partners in health, social care and the third sector
A specific emphasis on the role of the housing professional in meeting the needs of those living with dementia. It is hoped that the outcomes of this study will enable an improved understanding of housing’s role in dementia care, by setting out clearly the contribution that housing staff and services can make.
What you need to know about the lower overall benefit cap
As part of the 2015 summer budget the government announced the benefit cap, introduced in 2013, would be lowered on 7 November 2016.
This briefing summarises the most important information about the new, lower overall benefit cap, who it will apply to, and what its likely impact will be.
How to support hate crime victims
This publication focuses on ways that housing providers respond to hate crimes once they have occurred and intervention in neighbourhoods and estates to reduce crime and improve community relations.
This publication focuses on ways that housing providers respond to hate crimes once they have occurred and intervention in neighbourhoods and estates to reduce crime and improve community relations.
How to adapt your approach to rent collection for universal credit
This guide is intended to provide an overview of emerging good practice, to help inform how you respond to universal credit in your organisation.
How to support anti-poverty initiatives
This looks at anti-poverty programmes and initiatives, looking at why tenants experience poverty and why housing organisations are in an ideal position to tackle poverty in their communities
2016 UK Housing review briefing paper
This Briefing goes to press just before the referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU, whose result may well have implications for the economy and for migration.
These will only emerge with time, however, and for the moment the most significant recent events, taken into account here, are the March Budget and the devolved government elections in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The introduction of the LHA cap to the social rented sector
The aim of the research is to assess the likely extent of the impact, estimating how many young people in Scotland will be affected and what the financial implications will be.
CIH Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government, commissioned Indigo House Group to carry out a piece of research into the impact of the introduction of the LHA cap to the social rented sector on young people in Scotland.
Mind the gap
CIH is calling for the government to consider realigning LHA rates, particularly those for shared accommodation due to the difficulties this makes for under-35s in accessing affordable housing.
Since April 2012 the gap between local housing allowance (LHA) and actual rents in the private sector has grown as LHA has not kept pace with rent increases. This is set to worsen as LHA rates will be frozen for four years from April 2016.
What you need to know about the ONS assessment of RSL classification
In October 2015, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced that private registered providers of social housing in England were to be reclassified for public spending purposes.
The ONS has now announced that a similar assessment will take place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from October to December 2016 so CIH members can now download our new 'what you need to know briefing' on the potential impact of reclassification.
Housing need and aspiration: the role of mid market rent
A summary of research findings and points for consideration by the housing sector.
This research was commissioned by CIH Scotland in partnership with Wheatley Group in order to better understand some of the strategic drivers behind the development of mid market rent (MMR) housing.
What you need to know about Scotland's draft budget 2016-17
This briefing sets out the provisions within the Scottish Government’s budget which will have the greatest impact on the housing sector.
The Scottish Government published its draft budget on 16 December 2015 setting out financial plans for 2016-17. This follows the UK Government’s Autumn Statement and Spending Review published in November which outlined plans for further spending reductions over the five year parliamentary term. By 2020 Scotland’s budget will have been reduced by 12.5% in real terms since 2010.
What you need to know about the Private Housing (Tenancies) Bill
CIH Scotland has published a new briefing for CIH members which outlines the main provisions of the Bill.
Following extensive consultation which attracted around 10,000 responses, the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill (the Bill) was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 08 October 2015. The Bill aims to improve security of tenure in the private rented sector (PRS) and provide clarity for landlords and tenants by creating a single model tenancy for the sector.
© 2025 Chartered Institute of Housing
Website built by Prodo Digital