2021 Scottish Parliament elections

Since publication of our manifesto in January, HFS has been undertaking significant engagement with key MSPs and party representatives on the overarching need for an annual all-tenure target of at least 25,000 new homes, using a jigsaw analogy to highlight the myriad of different elements that need to be brought together to achieve this.

With parliament presently in recess for the election on 6 May and campaigns underway, we now require the assistance of members to amplify our messaging and strengthen industry connections at a local level - an exercise which will also prepare us well for next year's council elections.

Whilst we will be issuing a general emailer to candidates, we need members to reach out to those in their constituency area(s) to really make a positive case for home building across all tenures, particularly in terms of recovering from the impact of Covid-19.

To assist with this, we have developed a special toolkit of resources which includes:

• a template letter/email
• candidate contact details
• manifesto talking points
• social media assets (pledge boards and full programme of HFS posts)

Download the toolkit here.

***IMPORTANT LOBBYING REGISTER INFORMATION***

Normally, during a Scottish Parliament Election, an MSP's term of office ends with the dissolution of the Parliament.
(Scottish Ministers, the Permanent Secretary and retained special advisers continue to hold office during the election period)

However, due to Covid-19, instead of dissolution, Parliament has entered a period of recess instead, should it need to be recalled.  As such, any face-to-face (in person or via video call) regulated lobbying engagement with any MSP in relation to Government or parliamentary functions during the recess period would continue to be a registrable activity.

Guidance on regulated lobbying can be found here.

So that we may compile a comprehensive record of activity, please email details of your own organisation's efforts to Executive Team Assistant Vicki Craik.

Any questions should be directed to Head of Public Affairs Jennifer Kennedy.