'What's Next for Adaptations?' podcast with Professor Vikki McCall and Susie Fitton

This Scottish Housing News Podcast explores themes raised in ‘What’s Next For Adaptations?’ report, research from ISPA and the University of Stirling which has been commissioned by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, CIH Scotland and the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers.

Hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black join Professor Vikki McCall from the University of Stirling and SFHA policy manager Susie Fitton to explore the challenges and opportunities in adapting homes for an ageing population.

They discuss the following themes: 

• Fluctuating government funding for housing adaptations (cuts, increases, and planning difficulties caused by “yo-yo” budgets).

• Impact on vulnerable populations — risks to elderly and disabled people without adequate adaptations.

• Health and social care pressures — link between suitable housing and reduced hospital stays or formal care reliance.

• Funding sources and allocation — reliance on Housing Revenue Accounts, tenants’ rents, and inconsistent council practices.

• Equity and fairness — disparities between tenures (social housing, owner-occupiers, private tenants) and variations by local authority.

• Technology in adaptations — inclusion of digital systems for independent living, fall prediction, and remote monitoring.

• Responsibility for costs — debate over whether health and social care bodies should fund certain adaptations and tech.

• Proposal for a national fund — centralised system to cover all housing tenures and provide clear access to information and support.

• Self-directed support — enabling individuals to arrange and control their own adaptations.

• Legacy of inaccessible housing — historical design flaws making homes unsuitable for ageing and disabled populations.

• Need for coherent policy and guidance — call for clear strategies to address past mistakes and future needs.