Cost of living has altered how people interact with their community

A new poll has revealed what people across Scotland say they need for their communities to thrive as the cost of living crisis continues.  

The poll, commissioned by Places for People Scotland, shows that a feeling of being safe (89%), access to nearby shops and other local businesses (85%), easy access to public transport (83%), high-quality public spaces (76%) and a variety of housing types and tenures (57%) rank highly for people across Scotland when considering what contributes to a thriving community.  

The polling also shows that the majority (56%) of people in Scotland do not believe their community is currently thriving, with only 13% of respondents claiming they believe their community is equipped to manage the cost of living crisis.   

The findings was shared with industry experts as hundreds of delegates attended the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual Scottish Housing Festival in Glasgow.  

Tom Norris, managing director of Places for People Scotland, said: “The people who make up our communities in Scotland have been very clear about what they want and need to thrive. It’s therefore vital that we listen carefully, support and act accordingly. 

“As a housing association, we strive to do this each and every day with our customers and their communities, but it is helpful to see this country-wide poll which reinforces the need for diverse and high-quality housing within well-designed spaces, giving people connectivity, opportunities, and local services.” 

According to the survey, people in Scotland believe that a feeling of safety, access to nearby shops and local businesses, housing, high-quality public spaces and services, and good transport links contribute to thriving communities. 

Places for People Scotland is calling for further investment in Scotland’s communities and affordable housing. It also calls for a joined-up approach between the public and third sectors, sharing knowledge and resources to improve safety and address the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis within communities.   

Norris added: “As we so often see from our own customers, a safe, good quality home is the springboard from which opportunities are created and grasped.

“With homeless applications rising alongside ambitious net zero targets for new homes, it is clear we need more investment in housing to both meet the demands and develop thriving and sustainable communities.” 

As one of Scotland’s leading housing associations, managing around 8,500 homes for almost 10,500 customers across Scotland, Places for People Scotland delivers affordable homes to meet the needs of people and communities.  

Over the next three years, the housing association will use private and public funds to invest £200 million and create over 1,200 new, mixed-tenure homes for people to live in across Scotland.