Link welcomes Housing Minister to Abbey Place, Paisley
Minister for Local Government and Housing Kevin Stewart opens Link Group development for older people in Paisley
Link Group Ltd was delighted to welcome the Minister for Local Government and Housing for Scotland, Kevin Stewart to its Abbey Place development on 25 October.
The Minister used the visit as a platform to introduce changes to a range of Scottish Government home ownership schemes, enabling older people to access them for the first time.
The schemes remove the requirement for a mortgage contribution and make older people a priority access group. They also provide options that bring older people closer to family and care support, and are more affordable and suitable for their needs – including downsizing, or the option to buy a retirement or supported home.
Abbey Place is an independent living development comprising 13 homes for social rent and 25 New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) homes. It was initially launched as a pilot project, aimed at those aged 60 and over.
Link Group Chief Executive, Craig Sanderson, said: "We’re delighted that our Abbey Place development has given older people in Paisley the opportunity to buy an affordable, high-quality home suitable for retirement living. Schemes such as New Supply Shared Equity play an important part in helping older people purchase a home that’s right for them.”
Mr Stewart added: “People are living longer, which is to be celebrated, and I want to ensure they can access high quality and affordable housing that meets their needs and enables them to continue living independently.
“As we age, our housing needs can change – we are responding to that with new and innovative solutions. These schemes will give older people the opportunity for home ownership that works for them and ensure they are part of our bold ambitions for affordable housing.”
Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “We are committed to providing high quality, affordable homes which suit the needs of older people in Renfrewshire to ensure they can remain in their own home and live independently for as long as possible. The Abbey Place development caters for the requirements of older people and has been a key element in the ongoing regeneration of Paisley Town Centre.”