Policymakers in Holyrood are significantly underestimating the cost of making homes energy efficient, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has said.

The trade body, in a new report, warns social tenants could face annual rent increases of up to £500 above inflation if the cost of retrofitting social homes is passed on to landlords.

In its consultation paper for the upcoming Social Housing Net Zero Heat Standard the Scottish government said the cost of converting a home to meet the proposed new requirements would be around £14,000. The standard would require landlords to replace fossil fuel heat systems by 2045 and reach an EPC rating of B or equivalent by 2040,