Mixed Messages on Housing in Lib Dem Manifesto

Commenting on the housing and energy efficiency measures in the Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto for the 2011 elections launched today (5th April),
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) Chief Executive Mary Taylor said:

"We welcome the recognition in the Liberal Democrats' manifesto of a massive shortfall in affordable housing that we need to deal with, and specific measures such as the regeneration role for Regional Investment Banks and £250m to tackle the energy efficiency of Scotland's homes.

"There are some useful new ideas such as using Stamp Duty powers to fund social housing and encouraging innovative housing association schemes to be rolled out - for example in taking on apprentices or helping tenants to move to smaller properties.

Ms Taylor continued:

"However, the party has not fully grasped the challenge of providing more affordable rented homes. Expanding shared equity and increasing sources of private finance for the sector will not significantly reduce numbers on waiting lists.

"It is a distraction to focus on the collective buying power of housing associations in relation to new housing, when the more pressing energy efficiency problem facing us is in relation to existing housing."

"We call on the incoming Scottish Government to reverse some of the 30% cut to the housing budget by targeting UK consequentials on new build housing, and a rethink as to the serious cuts sustained by housing associations and co-operatives this year."

Download a copy of the SFHA's election manifesto here

 

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