SFHA: Key opportunities missed in Budget
SFHA comments on Scottish Government Draft Budget.
Commenting on the Scottish Government's Draft Budget, Sally Thomas, Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said:
“Overall, we are disappointed with the Draft Budget. Key opportunities to increase funding for measures that would make a real difference to people’s lives – such as energy efficiency and adaptations – have not been taken. The small increase in energy efficiency funding is only a fraction of what is needed – as part of the Existing Homes Alliance we had called for it to be doubled.
“However, we welcome the increased funding to tackle poverty through the Scottish Welfare Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments. This funding will help people to sustain their tenancies and continue to mitigate the ‘bedroom tax’.
“We are pleased to see that the Scottish Government is sustaining funding for the final year of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, which will be essential to meeting the 50,000 homes target as well as to provide a better platform to continue the programme after this parliament ends.
“We now look forward to the government confirming funding plans for post-2021. Not only is this vital in order to keep building the homes that the people of Scotland need but also to meet key priorities such as ending homelessness and tackling climate change through building energy efficient housing.
“Housing associations and co-operatives reach around 2 million people daily in neighbourhoods and communities across Scotland. By working with them to provide warm, safe, secure and affordable homes as well as to tackle poverty and climate change, the government can achieve the social, economic and environmental improvements so desperately needed. Our sector is leading the way on these priorities, but we can – and will – do more with continued government support.”
Ends
For further information, please contact SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker on t: 0141 567 6221 email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk
Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk
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Notes to editors
1. Pathway to Zero Carbon Homes
2. The SFHA is the national membership body for, and voice of, housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland.