Time to Look Again at Housing Associations, as Flagship National Housing Trust Falters

It's time for the Scottish Government to look again at what housing associations and co-operatives can do to develop more homes,

the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) said today (Thursday 21st July 2011).

The Federation spoke as news emerged that the Government's flagship National Housing Trust is set to deliver 700 affordable homes this year - 500 fewer than planned (1).

Dr Mary Taylor, CEO of the SFHA said:

"This report shows that, while flexibility is important, the Government can't wave a magic wand to create more affordable homes. It's disappointing that the National Housing Trust has missed its target of new-build affordable homes, while the housing association sector has capacity to build more.

"There is certainly a role for the National Housing Trust. But good quality new-build accommodation, affordable to people on low and moderate incomes, does require a reasonable level of government investment. Housing associations are well-placed to provide these homes, and investing now will have benefits in the short and the longer term, by meeting need, creating jobs, and helping to strengthen communities.

"The SFHA argues that this should be part of a new preventative approach to public spending - investing in services which will have benefits in future, rather than simply treating existing problems.

"That's why we have joined forces with other housing and construction bodies to call for affordable housing to be made a national priority (2).

"Using Scotland's new borrowing powers to invest in quality new-build housing would have nationwide benefits for the economy, community cohesion, and across a range of social policy areas."

ends

For further information, contact Press and Public Affairs Manager Claire Munro on t: 0141 567 6244 m: 07771 926778 or e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk

NOTES:

1) See p.3 of National Housing Trust: Reflections on Phase 1. Download a copy of the discussion paper, here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/921/0119159.pdf

2) Read the joint statement by the SFHA, Scottish Building Federation and GWSF, Making Housing a National Priority, here http://www.sfha.co.uk/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,37/gid,1342/task,doc_download/

3) The SFHA was established in 1975 and has around 170 members providing affordable housing and wider community services in Scotland, as well as a further 200 commercial members. The SFHA is owned by its membership and exists to support the work of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland by providing services, advice and good practice guidance.

4) The SFHA is the voice of the principal builders and managers of new affordable housing for rent in Scotland. Housing Associations own and manage around 40% of the country's affordable rented housing stock, over a quarter of a million homes across Scotland.

5) Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.