SFHA members address key issues ahead of meeting with housing minister Kevin Stewart
The price of land, availability of skilled workers and access to funding are all potential barriers to meeting affordable homes targets, according to housing experts.
Members of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) listed their concerns ahead of a meeting with housing minister Kevin Stewart on Wednesday.
The SFHA has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver 50,000 new affordable homes over the lifetime of this parliament but warned factors outwith their control could have an impact on their ability to meet the target.
They will now discuss the issues with Mr Stewart during the body’s AGM on Wednesday (24 August).
The targets we have set for this parliament, especially that of 35,000 social houses, are more challenging and will require all of us to expand what we do well and to innovate
Mary Taylor, SFHA chief executive, said: “Housing targets represent more than just an amount of new build – people’s life chances, health and wellbeing are improved by securing a high quality, energy efficient, affordable home.
“Scotland desperately needs more affordable homes in order to solve its current housing crisis, and we acknowledge the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase supply by setting a new target of delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes, backed by more than £3 billion, over the lifetime of this Parliament.
“However, we are aware that other factors impact on the sector’s ability to deliver more affordable homes, and we will work with the Scottish Government, our members and other key partners in order to overcome these potential barriers.”
Mr Stewart said the government’s proposals would ensure families across Scotland can access good quality affordable housing.
Building the homes – 35,000 which would be available for social rent – would also support around 14,000 jobs per year and generate £1.8bn of economic activity, the minister added.
He said: “These are bold and ambitious targets, and I know that this will require hard work and determination across the housing sector to achieve. But we are starting from a good place, with a strong track record of delivery.
“Our previous 30,000 affordable homes target was exceeded by over 3,000 homes and this is a not insignificant achievement. It shows what can be done when we all work together.
“The targets we have set for this parliament, especially that of 35,000 social houses, are more challenging and will require all of us to expand what we do well and to innovate.”
