Annual Assurance Statement
We have submitted our Annual Assurance Statement 2026 to the Scottish Housing Regulator. This confirms that we meet:
- all relevant legal duties
- the Scottish Social Housing Charter
- the Regulator’s requirements
The statement was agreed by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Housing and Property Committee and reviewed by our Interested Tenants.
Key highlights
Health and safety
No breaches required Health and Safety Executive (HSE) action in 2025/26.
Gas safety
We achieved 100% compliance with annual gas servicing in all homes.
Fire safety
Single building assessments (SBAs) are a new legislative requirement around communal flatted blocks in Scotland. In Highland, there are 41 buildings that are currently considered in scope for the SBA ahead of detailed survey work. The outcomes of the SBAs are anticipated to have significant investment implications in future years, and this is detailed in the proposed Housing Revenue Account Capital Plan 2027-2032.
Electrical safety
Due to earlier access issues, our five-year electrical inspection programme is behind schedule. As of 1 July 2026:
- 75.3% of homes were compliant
- 5.2% of the current stock is also defined as abeyances
A new servicing contract commenced in May 2026 to assist efforts to meet full compliance over the coming months.
Damp and mould
Awaab's Law will come into force in Scotland on 6 October 2026. The Council has developed processes, performance monitoring and reporting arrangements to ensure compliance with statutory requirements
Tenant involvement
The statement was reviewed by a group of tenant volunteers.
Committee oversight
The Housing and Property Committee and Area Committees receive regular updates on performance and finances.