As it’s revealed that over 100,000 new jobs were created in England last year as result of a massive increase in home building, the industry here said Scots could similarly benefit if the same action to stimulate construction is taken north of the border.

This is confirmed by the findings of a major recent research report which identified that nearly 40,000 new jobs could be generated by the end of the next Scottish Parliament if home building levels in Scotland were to return to pre-recession levels.

Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of trade body Homes for Scotland (right), said:

“Today’s English figures underline the positive impact which comes from the building of much needed homes.  Research has also shown that every home built in Scotland supports over four jobs but the benefits go much wider than just employment and the contribution to our economy.  Ensuring we have enough homes to properly house Scotland’s growing population also means improving access to fit-for-purpose and energy-efficient homes as well as supporting better health and education outcomes.

“But home building levels are still currently 40 per cent below that of 2007, exacerbating the housing pressures that are particularly affecting our young people and growing families, and which, unfortunately, show no sign of abating.

“This is why we are calling on the next Scottish Government to manage a return to at least pre-recession levels of building which would mean the delivery of at least 100,000 new homes by the end of the next parliamentary term based on an annual average growth rate of ten per cent.  We believe this is an ambitious but achievable target and have already set out to politicians of all parties the action which needs to be taken to make it happen.

“Clearly, providing more ‘affordable’ homes will be a key element in tackling our country’s chronic undersupply but this alone will not address the housing crisis.  With the majority of Scots still aspiring to home ownership, a balanced housing policy which places equal emphasis on having enough homes of all tenures is vital.”