Housing statistics published by the government yesterday point to a worrying decrease in sheltered housing says a Green MSP.
The Quarterly Housing Update shows the number of sheltered, very sheltered and medium dependency houses provided by councils has reduced from 23,108 in 2006 to 20,315 in 2018.
Andy Wightman, the Scottish Greens’ housing spokesperson, says ministers now need to reverse a previous decision to ignore the advice of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and set an accessible homes target.
Wightman, a Green MSP for Lothian, said: “The number of people in Scotland aged over 75 will increase by 27% over the next ten years and by 79% over the next 25 years [2]. Over the last 12 years, the number of sheltered, very sheltered and medium dependency houses provided by local authorities has decreased by 12% whilst the availability of sheltered accommodation has plummeted by 17%.
“Earlier this year, the Housing Minister was criticised by the Equality and Human Rights Commission for rejecting the organisation’s guidance to create an accessible homes target. It is vital that such a target is set and is achieved.”
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