A major new housing survey reveals post-referendum anxiety in the housing sector
Scottish affordable housing targets could be missed because of the Brexit vote, according to a survey of industry professionals.
Nearly 70% of those questioned said they were concerned about the likelihood of meeting the Scottish Government target of 10,000 new affordable homes a year, researchers for The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland found.
The survey also revealed more than 50% of housing professionals thought that Brexit would negatively impact their own organisations’ plans for development.
CIH Scotland members also expressed concerns about the potential future impact of the Brexit vote on community cohesion and, in particular, the ability of minority groups to access housing in the future.
This survey demonstrates just how much uncertainty there is in Scotland’s housing sector.
The survey comes as official figures showed the completion of new homes by Scotland’s social housing sector has declined from a peak of 5,989 units completed in 2009-10 to 3,458 units in 2015-16.
CIH Scotland director Annie Mauger said: “We cannot predict what the future holds but this survey demonstrates just how much uncertainty there is in Scotland’s housing sector.
“In these times of economic and political uncertainty, we must ensure that we continue to work together to provide the new homes Scotland needs to support its growing population.
“Just as worrying as the lack of confidence in home-building is the concern members have about the potential impact of the recent referendum vote on our communities. The housing sector has always had a strong role in promoting community cohesion and this must remain a key focus going forward.”
The poll of 2,300 CIH members was released to coincide with an event in Edinburgh to discuss the implications of the Brexit vote on housing in Scotland.
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland said: “We were reassured when the Scottish Government pledged to build 50,000 new affordable homes during the next Scottish Parliament. However this is still well short of the 12,000 affordable homes we need to build each year to tackle our housing crisis.
“It is therefore deeply concerning to hear that many housing professionals are pessimistic of the affordable homes target being met. The Scottish Government needs to do everything possible to make sure its manifesto commitment is met.”
