Majority of people living in Scotland believe country needs more good quality low-cost housing for rent
A new survey, released today (14 June) by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and conducted by YouGov, has found that two-thirds (66%) of people in Scotland do not believe there is enough good quality low-cost housing available for rent in their local area. SFHA said that, with the cost of living crisis taking hold, it is “critically important” that housing associations and co-operatives can continue to tackle housing need and help the Scottish Government to deliver its target of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. SFHA is calling on the Scottish Government to continue its commitment to social housing by increasing investment year on year.
Aaron Hill, SFHA Director of Policy and Membership, said: “These findings confirm that there is a shortage of good quality low-cost homes for rent in almost every community in Scotland. Housing associations and co-operatives are central to addressing this: they build good quality, safe, warm homes for affordable rent in Scotland and contribute to local communities.
“While the Scottish Government’s house building ambitions will go some way to addressing this shortage, our members face enormous cost pressures in the current environment which affect their ability to build.
“We are, therefore, calling on the Scottish Government to continue its commitment to social housing by increasing investment year on year. This investment will help those facing up to the worst cost of living crisis in living memory and support the economy to recover by creating jobs and allowing housing associations to invest in communities. It is crucial to ensure we meet the target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.”
The findings come as SFHA prepares to hold its first annual conference since 2019, with many of its 138 members gathering in Glasgow. As well as focusing on delivering affordable homes, the conference will address issues, such as tackling the climate emergency and reducing poverty and inequality, with speakers, including Dr Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero at South of Scotland Enterprise, Jim McCormick of the Robertson Trust, Pam Duncan-Glancy of Scottish Labour and Scottish Greens councillor Martha Wardrop, the recently announced Convenor of Glasgow City Council’s Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm Committee.