BPF Spotlight Series: The Scottish Property Federation
Did you know that all BPF members also have membership of the Scottish Property Federation (and vice versa)?
For this week's Spotlight we head up to Edinburgh to speak with SPF Policy Officers Anamika Dwivedi and Josie Sclater to find out what the team are working on and how members can get involved.
❓Like Westminster, there's lots of change in the pipeline for Scotland's built environment policy.
That’s right! Many policy areas for the built environment are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, which creates a unique environment for development and investment.
There’s an array of new policies in the pipeline here ranging from a proposed rent control mechanism, legislation aimed at decarbonising heat, and developments with Scotland’s national planning framework.
There’s lots on the horizon too, some of which we're quite concerned about due to the potential unintended consequences. This includes a potential infrastructure levy and proposals to allow ending a PBSA tenancy early.
❓Who are your key stakeholders?
🗣As the voice of the property industry in Scotland, we’re fortunate to have great connections with the public sector and other business organisations in Scotland.
In particular, we've a really good working relationship with Scotland’s largest councils, and regularly meet with senior officials from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Fife.
We also engage closely with Scottish Government officials and Ministers who work on key policy areas and Scotland’s wider economy.
Our aim is to relay opportunities and concerns that we hear from members directly to decision makers to help to build the housing and commercial buildings that we need now and for the future.
❓Members play a central role in the SPF's work, how does this happen?
🗣We've a diverse membership that really helps get a holistic view of what's happening in the industry and proactively address issues. We regularly hold meetings across Scotland, including our regional lunches.
On a more technical front, we've 5 specialist committees that cover sustainability; tax; residential property; commercial property; and planning.
Our Policy Committee oversees our strategic priorities and is currently led by SPF Chair Stuart Oag (Drum Property Group), who recently took over from Maria Francke (Maria Francke Planning), and Vice Chair Jonathan Guthrie (Robertson Group).
❓There's so much happening, how can members get more involved?
🗣We keep members updated on our work through our weekly SPF Updates. Our monthly newsletter, SPF Voice, also features more in-depth industry insights on topical issues. Any BPF or SPF member can sign-up to receive these comms via our portal.
We've also lots of opportunities for members and wider stakeholders to network, like our popular annual dinner which takes place this year in Edinburgh on 10 October. As well as after-dinner speaker Michael Gove, we'll be joined by the Secretary for State for Scotland and BPF President Jessica Hardman.
