Labour Lays Foundation for Good Affordable Housing Policy

Written by Claire Munro Wednesday, 06 April 2011 15:27

Commenting on the approach to affordable housing and regeneration in the Scottish Labour manifesto for the 2011 elections launched today (6th April),
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) Chief Executive Mary Taylor said:

"The SFHA welcomes the Labour manifesto declaration that providing more affordable homes is now ‘urgent'. With 250,000 families on waiting lists, this is clearly the case. We also welcome promises of a ‘stable' subsidy for housing associations and co-operatives, and a pledge to support them in the wide range of services which they provide to their communities.

"We also welcome the sensible promise to build housing for those with special needs, such as the elderly and the disabled. The SFHA would like to see a substantial commitment to fund home adaptations, which save the NHS thousands of pounds and allow people to stay in their homes.

"A strong commitment to regeneration and to tackling fuel poverty, as well as plans to work with housing associations on a Green New Deal to improve 10,000 homes to generate energy are to be welcomed."

"Our members are also well-placed to provide apprenticeships in the party's proposed Future Jobs Fund."

However, Dr Taylor continued:

"However Labour's pledge to support for first-time buyers will not help the large number of people on waiting lists for rented accommodation. We would also like to see plans to rethink the 30% cut in the affordable housing budget this year (3) and a commitment to a decent subsidy level for new house-building.

"The National Care Service has potential to improve preventative care, but housing providers must have a central role in its development in order for it to be effective."

"All in all, Labour's manifesto correctly identifies the issues which need urgent attention, but affordable housing providers will be waiting to see specific commitments."

Download a copy of the SFHA's election manifesto here

 

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