Programme for Government 'falls short' on housing as SFHA warns of funding delays
Scottish Government also urged to remove obstacles to Mid-Market Rent developments amid national housing emergency.
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has warned that the Programme for Government falls short on what’s needed to tackle the country’s housing emergency.
SFHA Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: “Whilst it's welcome that the First Minister acknowledged the importance of housing, today’s Programme for Government does not go far enough in tackling Scotland’s deepening housing emergency.
“With nearly 10,000 children growing up in temporary accommodation, and the number of homes started by housing associations at the lowest level since the 1980s, we must now see action on funding for affordable rented housing in the Scottish Government Budget in December.
“We also welcome news that the Housing Bill will progress through Parliament, but we need immediate clarity on the status of rent controls for Mid-Market Rent (MMR) developments. MMR is an essential form of affordable rented housing which is delivered by housing associations; however, these much-needed homes would be put at risk by long-term rent controls and should therefore be exempt in order to increase supply.”
“We know the Scottish Government is facing deeply difficult financial constraints, but affordable rented housing is fundamental to all of the First Minister’s priorities, and must be protected. At SFHA, we are ready to work with government and other partners to achieve this”.
The Scottish Government has also been criticised after housing associations reported significant delays in receiving grant funding for aids and adaptations.
Sally Thomas added: “Delays in allocating funds have real consequences. Adaptations such as grab rails and wet rooms support tenants to live well in their homes, help keep people out of hospital and enable quicker and more efficient discharges from hospital: saving significant spending to the health service. The Scottish Government’s delay in allocating funds to housing associations for aids and adaptations is affecting all of this and causing profound uncertainty for social tenants.
“The Scottish Government must urgently release this funding to Scotland’s housing associations and co-operatives so they can meet the needs of their tenants and take pressure off the health system.”