SFHA Manifesto Analysis Has Home Truths for Potential MSPs

As Scotland's political parties home in on election day, the SFHA is calling for an urgent focus on three key affordable housing issues.

In its analysis of the five main parties' housing policies, the SFHA has a few home truths for potential MSPs and government ministers.

More must be done by all parties to tackle as a matter of urgency:

• The shortage of affordable rented housing and a looming halt in new build by associations and co-operatives;
• Turning warm words about preventative spending into resources for specialist housing and adaptations;
• Insulating Scotland's homes to fight climate change and fuel poverty

SFHA Policy & Strategy Director Maureen Watson said:

"SFHA welcomes the fact that most of the parties have recognised the essential role which housing associations and co-operatives play in the development of new affordable housing, in supporting communities, in caring for groups such as the elderly and disabled, and in tackling climate change - areas all covered in our own manifesto.

"However, if we are to avoid a desperate shortage of affordable rented housing and the numbers of new-build plummeting, specific commitments are needed from all the main parties on the funding they will provide.

"The number of new homes approved across Scotland in the last quarter fell by over a third compared with last year and we are concerned this will fall even further. The SFHA calculates that across Scotland, our members have at least 1,600 homes ready to go on site, which are at risk due to lack of funding.

"So far only the Greens have committed to reversing the cuts which threaten these homes, and the other parties need to follow suit."

Ms Watson continued:

"The SNP, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives very sensibly talk about preventative spending to save money, especially in the NHS. To achieve this, they need to direct resources into housing. For example, by properly funding housing adaptations, which keep people in their own homes and out of hospital for longer, care can be improved and money saved.

"The third urgent issue for new MSPs is to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes and tackle fuel poverty..

"Properly insulating Scotland's existing homes is the fastest, cheapest and best way to tackle climate change and fuel poverty, cutting energy use and creating badly-needed jobs in the process. The other parties have useful proposals, but are playing catch-up to the Greens' plan for a £100m annual insulation programme."

"All in all, " concluded Ms Watson, "Scotland's parties are not yet home and dry when it comes to dealing with affordable housing shortages, prioritising preventative spending or insulating Scotland's existing homes. Properly tackling these issues will not only make for healthier, stronger communities, but makes economic sense too, saving Scotland money in the long term. "

1) Download a copy of the SFHA manifesto analysis here
2) Download a copy of the SFHA's election manifesto here