Country still falling well short of targets
A huge push to build more affordable homes has been called for by a leading housing body.
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) responded to the Scottish Government’s planning consultation by calling for a major focus on increasing the supply of affordable homes.
Research published in 2015 by the SFHA and other housing bodies, found that 60,000 new affordable homes were required over five years.
While the Scottish Government responded to the report by increasing funding and setting a target to build 50,000 affordable homes – 35,000 for social rent – over the lifetime of the current parliament, the SFHA said it believes that reform of the planning system provides a major opportunity to increase housing supply in the long-term.
Sarah Boyack, SFHA head of public affairs, said: “A key driver behind the planning review was the concern that Scotland wasn’t building enough houses and its remit was to find solutions to this major problem.
"The SFHA is concerned, however, that proposals for a new planning bill do not focus enough on delivering more quality affordable homes.
“We are proposing a number of actions that we believe will increase the delivery of affordable housing in Scotland, create jobs and meet outstanding.
"We look forward to engaging with the Scottish Government, and with politicians at Holyrood, as the bill goes through parliament.”
Earlier this month a report by Shelter Scotland said the country was in the grip of a housing crisis with private renters and the young disproportionately affected.
Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “This government is working hard to protect the most vulnerable in society from the impact of the UK government’s harsh austerity cuts.
“We have delivered 60,000 affordable homes in our time in office, reintroduced council housing, ended right to buy, and are supporting people into home ownership.
“We are on track to deliver even more houses in this parliamentary term with our commitment to deliver at least 50,000 affordable homes – including 35,000 social homes, backed by over £3 billion investment during the lifetime of this parliament.”
