The Wider Role Fund supports Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to undertake projects in their local communities - beyond their principal role as landlords - which make life better for the people living there. RSLs often work in partnership with other organisations to deliver wider role projects.
The Scottish Government values the contribution of RSLs to regeneration and wants to see that contribution continue. We are working with RSLs to develop and improve its approaches to wider role activity. Scottish Ministers have allocated an additional £6m to RSLs to support their regeneration activity in 2011-12.
Priorities
In 2011-12 the priorities for wider role projects continue to be same as those in 2009-11. These are:
- investment to address the causes of poverty, community decline and worklessness
- making early interventions for vulnerable individuals, families and disadvantaged communities
- improving employability as a key means of tackling poverty
- income maximisation
Priority will also be given to projects which demonstrate the RSL's ability to work effectively with other RSLs, Third Sector organisations and, where possible, local authorities and community planning partnerships.
The future of Wider Role after March 2012
In our January 2011 letter to RSLs we indicated that as part of the reviews of housing and regeneration policy we would assess the scope for joining up a number of current funding arrangements including Wider Role. We also indicated that we would consult RSLs and other stakeholders on any proposed new funding arrangements. Following the recent Scottish Parliamentary elections and the creation of a new Ministerial team, we will seek Ministers' views regarding this approach. We will provide more information as soon as we can.
Applications for the Wider Role Fund
Applications for the fund are accepted throughout the year. There are no deadlines. Before projects are developed they should be discussed with a member of the Wider Role team to assess their eligibility.
Projects vary greatly in scope and scale, reflecting local circumstances, priorities and needs. RSLs may develop and deliver the project on their own, but increasingly RSLs work in partnership with each other and with other organisations to deliver projects and this is encouraged. Our case studies provide information and insight into some projects that have received Wider Role funding in the current programme.
Conference
This 2010 conference brought together work carried out by the Scottish Centre for Regeneration in partnership with EVH in response to the report Unlocking the Potential: Supporting the Housing Sector's Contribution to Regeneration.