NewsArticle-18-03-2009

Several important issues have not been fully considered by the Scottish Government’s consultation “Investing in Affordable Housing”, key among them being the lack of private sector involvement.  

That is the view of industry body Homes for Scotland which has been at the forefront of calls for both accelerated and increased funding in affordable housing provision in recognition of the benefits this offers in terms of maintaining skills and long-term capacity in the current economic downturn.

Chief Executive Jonathan Fair (right) said:

“Given the huge affordable housing demands placed on the private sector in recent years, it is particularly disappointing that even the idea of any of our members taking on the role of Lead Developer has been completely discounted as either having no merit or being too costly to implement without any evidence being produced by the Scottish Government to substantiate such arguments.

“This is entirely contrary to the detailed content, spirit and intent promoted by the Scottish Government in 'Firm Foundations'.  In preventing even a discussion of such concepts, the consultation takes a singular focus without taking on board wider opportunities for stakeholder engagement.

“Whilst the desire to streamline and improve the efficiency of current affordable housing investment arrangements is laudable, the proposals in the consultation do not provide sufficient clarity of evidence, clearly structured transitional arrangements or an appropriately flexed delivery timescale to ensure these aims will be achieved within the current economic, market and housing supply context.”

Ends

Enquiries to:

Jennifer Kennedy, Homes for Scotland – 0131 455 8350 

Notes to Editors:

1.  Homes for Scotland represents the country’s home building industry which, prior to the onset of the credit crunch,:

• was the largest source of private investment in Scotland and the largest user of the planning system
• built 20,000 new homes, contributed £6bn to the economy and directly impacted the employment of 100,000 people (2007 figures)

But with 26,000 jobs already lost and much new development across the country now effectively on hold, Scottish new build housing output has plummeted.  This will have far-reaching and long-term social and economic consequences.  Browse this website for further market commentary and information on the action and support Homes for Scotland is calling on from both the UK and Scottish Governments.

2.  Click here to read Homes for Scotland response to the Scottish Government’s “Investing in Affordable Housing:  a consultation” document.

3.  Click here to access the Scottish Government's "Investing in Affordable Housing:  a consultation.