SFHA comments on latest quarterly housing statistics
Latest statistics show "some welcome signs of recovery" since construction was restarted after being paused due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Commenting on the release today of the latest Quarterly Housing Statistics (1), Stacey Dingwall, Senior Policy Manager, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) said:
“The current Affordable Housing Supply Programme looked likely to meet its target of delivering 50,000 homes before the coronavirus pandemic forced construction to be paused. The latest statistics show some welcome signs of recovery and, once again, that Scotland is building much-needed affordable homes.
“The Scottish Government has made real progress towards tackling housing need in Scotland, and it is vital that this is maintained after the current parliament ends. Scotland needs 53,000 affordable homes, including 37,100 social homes, to be delivered between 2021–26 in order to tackle existing and newly arising need (2). Not only will this deliver much-needed homes, it will also drive economic growth, tackle poverty, create jobs and reinvigorate communities – and this social and economic stimulus will be required more than ever as we look to Scotland’s post-pandemic recovery.
“We welcome the government’s recently announced increase of £200 million funding for the first year of the next Affordable Housing Supply Programme, as well as its draft intentions for an overall direct capital funding programme of £2.8 billion, and we look forward to hearing the full details of its proposed support for the next parliament in its January budget.
“It is critical that our sector is supported to build the homes the country needs, and to the required energy and building standards, while being able to maintain affordable rents for tenants. Our joint research with CIH Scotland and Shelter Scotland found that this will require at least £3.4 billion (3).
“We know that due to important climate and energy-related targets, and rising contractor costs, the cost of building an affordable home is only increasing. It is vital that a review of the current subsidy rate is undertaken as soon as possible in order to ensure we are able to deliver the number of homes needed.
“SFHA will continue to work with the Scottish Government to help our members to deliver much-needed affordable and social homes for the duration of this programme as well as the next. We are keen to realise our shared ambition of ensuring that everyone in Scotland has a safe, warm, energy efficient, affordable home.”
Ends
For further information, please contact SFHA Communications Manager Kirsten Walker by email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk or mobile: 07887 888348.
Notes to editors:
1. https://www.gov.scot/news/latest-quarterly-housing-statistics-published/
4. SFHA is the membership body for, and voice of, housing association and co-operatives in Scotland www.sfha.co.uk