New social home building slows this quarter across Scotland

Social home starts in Scotland have dropped by nearly a half in the second quarter of this year, official statistics have shown.

There has been a 47% reduction in the number of social homes being built compared to same period in 2013.

However, the total number of social homes starts for the whole year - in the 12 months to the end of June 2014 - rose by 5% to 3,435, compared to the previous year.

Social housing completions also dropped, with the total numbering 907 between April and June 2014 - 10% less than the same quarter in 2013. The total for the year to end June 2014 was 3,945, a decrease of 4% on the 4,100 completions in 2013.

Graeme Brown, director of homelessness charity Shelter Scotland, said there was still not nearly enough homes being built in Scotland year on year.

We need to see at least 10,000 homes for social rent built each year

He added: “We need to see at least 10,000 homes for social rent built each year if we are going to meaningfully tackle Scotland’s housing crisis and bring hope to the 4,223 children across the country who will be homeless this Christmas and the 150,500 individuals stuck on council waiting lists.”

It comes on top of statistics showing that the number of right to buy applications in the country rose to 886 between April and June, a growth of 26% compared to the same period last year.

Legislation ditching the right to buy was passed in June and will be scrapped in two years time.