A new report by Andy Wightman MSP, Housing and Land Reform spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, shows that giving local councils the power to tax the 20,000 football pitches’ worth of vacant and derelict land in Scotland could generate £200 million a year to build affordable homes and tackle the housing crisis. Continue reading Green report shows taxing derelict land could help tackle housing crisis
The number of affordable homes approved over the year to the end June 2017 has increased by 30% on the previous year, bringing the total number of approvals over the year to 10,612. The government says the figures show good progress but the Scottish Greens will put forward their own plans to improve housing stock in a Holyrood debate later today. Continue reading Affordable homes boost but Greens offer radical alternative
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has welcomed more residents into its St Nicholas Court sheltered housing complex on Ferry Road.
As part of a £1.6 million project, eight one bedroom flats were completed by Glasgow-based construction specialists, CCG, earlier in the summer. A sun lounge and guest bedroom, plus additional landscaping – including allotment plots for the residents to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers – have also been created
The heating system and bathrooms have also been upgraded in the original 35-bedroom development which was built in 1983.
Maureen Tait, Sheltered Housing Services Manager at PoLHA, said: “Our St Nicholas Court development has always been a popular choice for people seeking sheltered housing, so we’re thrilled to be able to give more people the opportunity to live here.
“We’re all really enjoying welcoming our eight new residents into these fantastic flats and hope that they make many happy memories in their new homes.”
New tenant Frances McPherson said: “I previously lived in a flat in Lorne Street for 50 years, but my husband has COPD and the stairs were proving difficult. We are delighted with our new home as it’s lovely and bright and requires no decorating. Plus, our four-year-old granddaughter is looking forward to sleepovers.”
Another new tenant Jane Kelly said: “It is lovely living here. It’s a big change as I lived in my last home for 51 years. I’m getting used to the open plan living layout and I’ve had my granddaughter across who has helped me make it feel like home with photographs and ornaments.”
Calum Murray, Director at CCG, said: “Over recent years CCG has become more and more active in the region of Edinburgh with a broad range of contracts ranging from new build housing to upgrade and renewal. We have worked with Port of Leith Housing Association on many of these contracts and we were delighted to continue this partnership with St Nicholas Court.
“The new residents across the development will benefit from savings on their energy bills thanks to the upgrades to their heating and the installation of solar PV on the roof as well as the enhanced accessibility brought by the new landscaping.”
As tens of thousands of visitors descent on Edinburgh for the festival season, new analysis by Andy Wightman MSP shows that £10.6million of taxes are being avoided this year due to the boom in private homes being let out as holiday accommodation. Continue reading City losing out during festival boom, say Greens
Letting agents have six months to meet requirements of statutory code
Letting agents have six months to prepare for compliance with a new, statutory Code of Practice, set to improve standards and empower customers. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart is writing to all commercial letting agents to highlight the changes and their responsibilities, and the need to comply by January 31 2018.
The code sets out standards that must be met in how letting agents deliver services. It includes specific requirements on how clients’ money should be handled. It also makes it compulsory to have Client Money Protection and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Landlords and tenants can use the code to challenge poor practice and, if necessary, enforce it through the new First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber). Letting agents will be required to join the Scottish Government’s mandatory register of letting agents, and key individuals in agencies must meet a minimum level of training.
Mr Stewart said: “We are committed to ensuring the highest quality private rented sector, which empowers tenants. Our framework for regulation, and the need for the sector to meet key standards and expectations through the code, is an important step in achieving our ambitions.
“Many letting agents already do a great deal to continuously improve standards and inspire confidence amongst landlords and tenants. The introduction of the code means a level playing field for all and ensures clarity on rights, responsibilities and expectations.
“For many people private renting provides a place to call home, and they deserve the necessary standards and protections to find and keep that home. With six months until the code comes into force letting agents must take steps now to be ready for these new ways of working.”
The Scottish Government has developed a guide for those undertaking letting agency work to assist them in meeting the requirements for registration. It is available at:
https://www.mygov.scot/letting-agent-registration/
Continue reading Tenants and landlords to benefit from new regulations
More than 100 families a day lost their homes last year, after the number of renters evicted from their properties reached a record high. Continue reading One hundred families lose their homes EVERY DAY
Keith Brown: ‘Ambitious’ city deal will deliver opportunities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders.
Continue reading ‘Ambitious’ City Deal to bring 21,000 jobs to Edinburgh
CRISIS: campaigners demand an end to the eviction of families
Campaigners resisting the evictions of families due to the Benefits Cap are protesting at the full meeting of City of Edinburgh Council thios morning. Deputations from North Edinburgh’s All About Me and Power to the People groups will demand the council take action on the crisis. Last month the campaigners occupied both Council offices and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson’s constituency office to demand housing for homeless families. Continue reading Stop the evictions!
Kick start a career with an apprenticeship in housing and allied trades
The safety of Scotland’s high rise tower blocks will be examined by a Holyrood Committee, following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower. The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee will scrutinise accommodation in Scotland’s high rise communities, by expanding an on-going inquiry into housing and building regulations in Scotland. Continue reading Safety of Scotland’s high rise homes under scrutiny
