The Scottish government is increasing the allocated budget for technology that encourages older people remain independent for longer in their own homes, more than doubling it from £8.2 million to £20.9 million. This means that more housing association tenants can benefit from the Registered Social Landlord Adaptations Programme, which is a preventative model that reduces hospital admissions and long-term care costs.

Visiting Bield Housing Association’s Tech Hub in Linlithgow, social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Scotland faces significant challenges as our population ages and it is preventative, people-focused approaches like this that will help us deliver better outcomes for older people while making the best use of public resources.

“That is why we announced in our Programme for Government that we would more than double the budget for this year for the Registered Social Landlord’s Adaptations Programme from £8.25 million to £20.9 million to allow housing associations to plan and deliver more adaptations for their tenants.

“This financial year we are also investing £768 million in affordable housing, the majority of which will be for social rent. This reflects our long-standing commitment to ensure everyone in Scotland has a safe and affordable home to live in.”