The Scottish Government’s quarterly housing statistics show that ministers are too reliant on the private sector to deliver housing targets, say the Scottish Greens.The statistics reveal there has been a small increase in private new build housing, compared to the previous year, while social sector builds have decreased compared to the previous year.
Andy Wightman MSP, the Scottish Greens’ housing spokesperson, said:
“The affordable 50,000 homes target set by ministers is ambitious, but looks unreachable without over reliance on the private sector. Scotland is in the midst of a housing crisis. However, there are solutions beyond building more private homes. For example we should be utilising the 34,000 empty homes, enhancing regulation of the short term lets sector and introducing radical land reform proposals.
“If the Scottish Government is serious about affordable housing then it is of concern that the total completions for the social sector to December 2016 is down 9% compared to the previous year.”
The latest quarterly housing statistics were published yesterday and the Scottish Government says they have revealed good news for low income families and first time buyers, as more affordable new homes were approved last year.
There were 8,840 affordable homes approved in 2016 – a 20% rise on the previous year – which includes houses for both the social rental and home ownership market. Meanwhile, approvals for new build social rented properties were up 17% in 2016, to 5,101 properties.
The figures were published as Housing Minister Kevin Stewart confirmed £70 million funding for 2017/18 for the Scottish Government’s Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme to help first time buyers and priority groups buy a property. This will enable a further 1,700 people to buy a home.
Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland annual conference in Glasgow, Mr Stewart said: “Ensuring access to good quality and affordable housing is a key priority for the Scottish Government, therefore it is encouraging that 20% more properties were approved and started last year.
“As part of our efforts to increase affordable housing supply, we are determined to give targeted help to those seeking to move into home ownership. Over the past decade our OMSE scheme has helped more than 8,700 people on low to moderate incomes to buy a home. I am delighted that the 2017/18 scheme will welcome new applications from April.
“Alongside our commitment to deliver 50,000 more affordable homes over the next five years – with 35,000 available for social rent – this will all contribute to increasing the availability of affordable homes across Scotland.”
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