The social housing and urban regeneration team at leading international law firm, HBJ Gateley Wareing will host its annual seminar at its Edinburgh office later this month (Wednesday 24th June 2009) to discuss and debate the Scottish Government's consultation on investing in affordable housing in Scotland.

The seminar follows the Scottish Government's publication of responses last week, including its own, to its document 'Investing in Affordable Housing' which came out in December 2008.

The proposals are intended to meet the demand for affordable housing while safeguarding taxpayers' money.

Guests at the seminar will hear from industry speakers including Sandy Watson from the Scottish Government, Ewan Fraser, Chief Executive, The Dunedin Canmore Group, Chris Withnall, E C Harris, Anna Evans, Housing Consultant and Kenny Simpson, Head of Housing and Community Services, East Dunbartonshire Council, before having the opportunity to pose questions to the panelists on key issues in a debate chaired by Kate Dewar, HBJ Gateley Wareing’s Head of Social Housing.

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Responding to the consultation housing minister, Alex Neil MSP, said that reforming investment in affordable housing would "harness the energy of Scotland's dynamic housing associations" and expressed a commitment to getting rid of unnecessary red tape and introduce longer term funding arrangements to help financial planning and aid efficient procurement.

Speakers will offer an analysis of consultation responses which showed wide support for a more strategic approach to the development of affordable housing in Scotland.

The proposals have important implications for RSLs, local authorities, private developers, contractors, architects, planners, environmental consultants and funders.

The Scottish Government has also made new-build affordable housing the centrepiece of its economic recovery programme, with £31m of £45m arising from extra spending announced at Westminster to go to affordable housing.

Speaking ahead of the seminar, Kate Dewar partner at HBJ Gateley Wareing and head of the social housing department said: "This seminar hopes to offer a timely update to the Scottish Government's reforms and look at whether these proposals can secure greater efficiencies in the delivery of, and investment in, affordable housing, especially in today’s turbulent financial climate."

The seminar will be held on Wednesday 24th June at HBJ Gateley Wareing’s offices at Exchange Tower, 19 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EH. The seminar is from 9.30am to 1pm followed by a buffet lunch.

(GK/BMcC)