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Next Scottish government must deliver 53,000 affordable homes, says housing sector
Leading housing organisations are calling on the next Scottish government to commit to delivering 53,000 homes within its parliamentary term.
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Shelter Scotland have published a report outlining housing need in Scotland between 2021 and 2026.
It calls on the next Scottish government, due to be elected in May next year, to commit to a capital investment programme of £3.4bn over five years in order to deliver 53,000 affordable homes.
According to the report, this target will allow Scotland to “reduce housing need, tackle child poverty and kick-start its post-pandemic economic recovery”.
The target would mark an increase on the 50,000 affordable homes target that was set by the current Scottish government at the beginning its parliamentary term in 2016.
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In April, Scottish housing minister Kevin Stewart said the government was “unlikely” to meet its 50,000 homes target due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on construction.
While this new study was carried out before the crisis, the bodies said the effects of the crisis mean a commitment from all political parties to the new target is vital in order to help rebuild Scotland’s economy.
Sally Thomas, chief executive at the SFHA, said: “We acknowledge the progress the Scottish government had made regarding housing need in Scotland since 2015 and towards meeting the existing 50,000 affordable homes target, before the programme was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Committing to this new target and building affordable housing must be at the heart of Scotland’s recovery as part of a government and public sector-led approach, ensuring everyone has the home they need and at the same time giving confidence to full-scale economic renewal.”
Alison Watson, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “This research backs up what we know from our work with people who contact our services every day, desperate for a home that they can keep and that keeps them safe and well.
“These numbers make it clear – Scotland still faces a significant backlog from years of under investment in affordable and social housing. A legacy which leaves people facing homelessness living for months, or even years, in temporary accommodation.
“The current affordable housing programme has brought security and stability to tens of thousands of people and hope to all who need social housing.
“To right the wrongs of the past and to help our economy and communities recover from the pandemic, we must keep building.”
Callum Chomczuk, national director for CIH Scotland, said: “One of the main positives to come from this crisis has been the ability of our political leaders to think differently and take radical action.
“So, as the lockdown ends, we can’t go back to business as usual. We need to use our experience to build back better, with an ambitious plan for affordable housing at the heart of Scotland’s economic and social recovery.
“This isn’t the time for timidity. Politicians from all parties must think differently and recognise that we can choose to end homelessness, to end poverty in this country, and give everyone the right foundation for safe, secure life. This all starts by building the 53,000 affordable homes the country needs.”
Scottish housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “This is welcome research as we shape our approach to housing through our Housing to 2040 work, which aims to provide the long-term certainty that people and organisations across Scotland have called for.
“The Scottish government recognises the important role that housing plays in tackling inequality, promoting social justice and securing economic growth.
“More than 91,000 affordable homes have been delivered since 2007. We have committed a record investment of more than £3.5 billion in affordable housing over this parliamentary term, and beyond the current target period we have provided £300 million interim funding certainty for 2021-22 ahead of the spending review later this year, to ensure that affordable homes continue to be delivered.
“We remain absolutely committed to seeing more affordable and social homes delivered in communities across the country.
“The impact of COVID-19 means there has been a necessary pause in the delivery of the current 50,000 affordable homes target and once activity can safely resume, our immediate focus will be to ensure the delivery of the remainder of these homes.”
