Responding to comments from Scottish Labour Party Leader Richard Leonard on the party’s aim to build at least 12,000 homes for social rent each year, Chief Executive at representative body Homes for Scotland Nicola Barclay said:

“If we are to meet the housing need and demand of our growing population, it is vital that all political parties support the delivery of homes of all tenures, so this announcement is to be welcomed.  However, in order to actually deliver the homes on the ground, it is absolutely vital that this support is matched by an understanding of what is actually stopping this delivery right now. Our barriers and solutions paper sets out what is required.

“One key aspect is adequate resourcing for Local Authorities in terms of both funding and staff. Cut backs to Local Authority budgets is having an undeniable impact on the speed of the process, which has a direct impact on housing delivery. Only by adequately resourcing their built environment teams will this blocker be removed.  

“We must therefore look holistically at the whole system to ensure that all regions across the country get the homes needed to sustain their communities.”