Affordable housing target exceeded but just tip of the iceberg says housing body
A five year target to deliver 30,000 affordable homes has been exceeded by the Scottish Government but this is still not enough to tackle Scotland’s housing crisis, leading bodies have warned.
As part of the target, the Hoyrood administration pledged to deliver 20,000 social rented homes including 5,000 council homes, both of which have also been exceeded.
But the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) called for all parties to commit to build 12,000 new affordable homes each year to tackle the country’s mounting housing crisis.
Mary Taylor, SFHA chief executive, said: “We welcome the fact that the Scottish Government has met its target.
“However, we are calling on all political parties to commit to the 12,000 target ahead of the Holyrood elections.
“Not only do we need to build more homes in which people can afford to live, but it’s vital that the homes are of good quality.
“This means increasing the amount of energy efficient housing, a straightforward step that will help to reduce fuel poverty and improve the nation’s health.
Not only do we need to build more homes in which people can afford to live, but it’s vital that the homes are of good quality - Mary Taylor
“Housing is the foundation of people’s lives. With government support in acknowledging and tackling the housing crisis, with the right kind and level of resources, we have an opportunity to improve the life chances of Scotland’s people, including some of the poorest and most vulnerable.”
Data came from the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. Confirmation of meeting the targets and by how much they have been exceeded will follow in the regular quarterly publications of Official Statistics with the next release due on 1 December.
Social justice secretary Alex Neil said: “I am delighted that we have now met our commitment to deliver 30,000 affordable homes ahead of our target date of March 2016.
“We believe in a fairer Scotland for all and good quality affordable housing is central to making that a reality.
“Despite a challenging financial environment, we have invested in excess of £1.7 billion to meet the target, reintroduced council house building and protected existing housing stock through abolishing the right to buy.
“High quality, energy efficient, affordable homes form the cornerstone of socially and economically sustainable communities.
“We have worked hard with the housing sector to deliver these homes as well as develop innovative funding initiatives, such as government guarantees, loans, grant recycling and new sources of private funding, to help both buyers and developers."
