A weekly politics update relevant to members.
- Labour pledge housebuilding ‘revolution’
- Scottish Government publishes second National Islands Plan
- Alba withdraws from elections
- Lib Dems rule out SNP coalition
- SFHA at party conferences
- Scottish Budget passed by parliament
Labour pledge housebuilding ‘revolution’
Anas Sarwar has outlined that Scottish Labour would lead a housebuilding ‘revolution’ should they form the next Scottish Government. Details are to be set out at their party conference this week (SFHA will be attending), however reform of the planning system appears to be a priority.
Scottish Government publishes second National Islands Plan
The Scottish Government has published the second National Islands Plan, addressing the need for housing – particularly for key workers.
Alba withdraws from election
Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill has stated that the party will not contest this year’s Scottish Parliament election due to financial difficulties and being unable to finalise Electoral Commission paperwork ahead of the deadline. Following the announcement, four senior figures issued a joint statement urging moves towards allowing the party to contest the election.
Lib Dems rule out coalition with SNP
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have ruled out entering a post-election coalition with the SNP. They have not ruled out such an arrangement with Scottish Labour.
SFHA makes its way round the party conferences
SFHA’s External Affairs team has been busy attending various party conferences ahead of this year’s election making the case for our manifesto Housing Associations: Building Scotland’s Future.
Last week staff attended the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Green Conferences as parties set out their stalls ahead of the election in May.
SFHA will also be attending Scottish Labour and SNP Conference as part of our engagement plans.
Scottish Budget approved by Parliament
MSPs have this week approved the Scottish Government’s Budget for the coming year following a vote in parliament.
The SNP had already reached an agreement with the Scottish Liberal Democrats to pass its tax and spending plans. Both Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens abstained on the vote, whilst the Scottish Conservatives voted against. The final vote was 66 votes for, 29 against with 24 absentions.
This year’s Budget includes £920million for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme as part of an overall four-year commitment of £4.9billion.
