SFHA repeats call for housing to be at heart of Scotland’s economic recovery

Commenting on the release today (Tuesday 23 June 2020) of the housing statistics quarterly update June 2020 (1), Lorna Wilson, Head of Policy and Innovation for the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said: 

“The Scottish Government has made progress into tackling housing need in Scotland since 2016, and it looks likely that it was on track to meet its 50,000 affordable homes target, before the programme was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government must be given credit for this, and it’s vital this progress – and the ambition behind it – is maintained and not lost. 

“SFHA recently released research with CIH Scotland and Shelter Scotland which found that we need 53,000 affordable homes to be delivered between 2021–2026 (2). By committing to this new target, the government can reduce housing need, tackle child poverty and kick-start Scotland’s economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis. We welcome yesterday’s report by the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery which also called for the Scottish Government to invest in affordable housing as part of its recommendations.” (3) 

Ends  

For further information, please contact SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker on m: 0788 788 8348 or email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk   

 Notes to editors 

1. Housing statistics quarterly update: June 2020 

1. Affordable Housing Need in Scotland Post-2021 

1. Towards a Robust, Resilient Wellbeing Economy for Scotland: Report of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery 

1. The SFHA is the national membership body for, and voice of, housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland.   

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