New housing statistics published today show overall housing output in Scotland continuing to flatline with only 88 more homes (one per cent) built in 2016 than the year before.  Figures also indicate that things won’t be improving any time soon with a fall in the number of homes (279 / two per cent) being started in the same period.

Responding, Nicola Barclay, Chief Executive of industry body Homes for Scotland, said:

“Whilst the Scottish Government highlights a 29 per cent increase in funding approvals for ‘affordable housing’, allocating grant is very different to actually building homes.   

“More concerning for the population of Scotland is the big picture in relation to total figures across all tenures for which completions are still over 36 per cent down on 2007 levels and still less than what was built in 2010.

“The private sector is the biggest housing contributor overall yet the number of homes being started on site was down eight per cent in 2016, equivalent to over 1000 homes.

“With Scottish economic growth predicted to be half that of the UK in 2017, building the homes our country needs could help fill the void that will be left by large, soon to be completed infrastructure projects such as the Queensferry Crossing.

“And the rewards on offer are much more wide-ranging than simply fiscal.  In addition to skills and jobs, new homes can contribute to improved health and education outcomes for residents.  With high levels of insulation, they also help address fuel poverty and climate change.

“To reap such benefits, however, we need a supportive policy framework, particularly in relation to the planning and regulatory system, which should encourage housing investment and development.”