The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has submitted its response to the UK Government's consultation on the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).

SFHA supports strengthening technical standards to boost efficiency and cut running costs for consumers. However, it says any new rules must be proportionate and deliverable for not-for-profit social landlords, and workable alongside their existing statutory obligations.

The federation cautions that the financial impact of HNTAS could reduce members' capacity to participate in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, potentially deepening Scotland's housing emergency. Alongside the National Housing Federation, Community Housing Cymru and the Chartered Institute of Housing, SFHA is calling for an alternative approach that simplifies requirements and lowers the cost of compliance.

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SFHA also argues that clear, long-term grant funding and financial support are essential to deliver improved standards. It notes that Scottish heat networks have so far been excluded from both the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme and the Heat Training Grant, despite the same requirements applying across Great Britain. The federation is therefore seeking a fairer system that gives its members access to equivalent support.

SFHA's full consultation response is available, and members involved in managing communal heating and heat network schemes are invited to join the federation's heat network working group. For more information, contact Cassandra Dove at [email protected].