Shelter Scotland reacts as North Lanarkshire Council reveals it is to build 1,000 council homes
Housing and homeless charity Shelter Scotland has welcomed North Lanarkshire Council’s announcement that it is to build 1,000 council houses but warned much more needs to be done.
It says at least 12,000 affordable homes need to be built each year for the next five years to make any real difference to Scotland's housing crisis.
There are currently 150,000 people across the country on housing waiting lists and North Lanarkshire has one of the largest lists, with just over 12,000 on it.
The local authority says it will add a further 1000 houses to its current programme, with an investment of £159 million, bringing the total number of council houses it is to build in the next 10 years to 1800.
Head of communications and policy at Shelter Scotland, Adam Lang, urged Scotland’s other councils to follow suit.
We urge the rest of Scotland’s local authorities and the Scottish Government to show similar ambition to tackle our housing crisis
“It’s welcome news that North Lanarkshire Council has committed to building 1,000 new social homes,” he said. “We urge the rest of Scotland’s local authorities and the Scottish Government to show similar ambition to tackle our housing crisis.
“With 150,000 households currently on council waiting lists for a home in Scotland and in a society where we aspire to social justice, better educational attainment and improved wellbeing for all, we are still failing too many of our people by not providing the basic need of a safe and secure home.
“Scotland needs at least 12,000 new affordable homes each year for the next five years to meaningfully tackle our housing crisis and bring hope to all those waiting for a home.”
The new homes in North Lanarkshire represent the biggest investment in council housing for a generation and will be partially paid for with the assistance of Scottish Government grant funding.
The government has previously said it wants to build at least 50,000 affordable homes over the duration of the current parliament, including 35,000 of those for rent by councils or housing associations.
North Lanarkshire councillor Barry McCulloch, the convener of housing and social work services, said: "This is a massive investment for the people of North Lanarkshire. As Scotland's biggest council landlord we understand that modern, accessible housing is a key priority and I'm delighted we will be able to deliver 1800 new houses by 2026.
"We already had an extensive new-build programme in place, but we are determined to do what we can to meet considerable need.
“The quality of our new houses is unbelievable. They are energy-efficient, accessible and adaptable, which means the needs of people can really be taken into account. It means we can deliver a wide range of housing, including housing for older people, disabled people and young people setting up home for the first time."
