The Scottish Executive was expected to unveil a decency standard for social housing this week.
The standard is part of a consultation paper set for publication today. The paper is also set to list the parameters of a prudential borrowing regime for Scottish councils, and could include further guidance to help councils undertake transfers.

The decency standard will include guidance on the condition of kitchens, bathrooms and heating, with councils given 10-15 years to meet the required target.

Prudential borrowing will be available to some councils to help meet the standard, depending on historic debt and spending, but it is likely to be tied to a requirement to draw up long-term investment plans.

Nick Fletcher, policy and public affairs officer at the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland, said: "Councils will have to demonstrate how they will improve housing, not run up debt."

He said the advice on transfers would shore up confidence.

Source

Housing Today