Build foundations for bright future

SCOTLAND’S housing problems have been stored up for generations.

The legacy is built on chronic underinvestment, dreadful planning, right-tobuy and out-of-control property prices.

In the decade since the financial crash, more excuses have been built than houses.

It’s made it hard to deal with the crisis in affordable housing and homelessness.

Nicola Sturgeon says she’s committed to tackling the problem.

And it’s good news to see significant investment in new affordable homes across central Scotland yesterday.

While less well-off Scots struggle to get a reasonable tenancy or mortgage, others are also starting to see improvements.

The ground was broken yesterday on two dozen single-living apartments for armed forces veterans. This will make a significant difference to people’s lives. A pity then that it can’t all be good news. Glasgow City Council are locked in a row with housing charity Shelter over claims they are turning homeless people out on to the streets.

The charity claim the council broke laws 3000 times last year – disputed by the local authority.

The council want to tackle the scandal of rough sleeping and officials say they want to hold meetings about the claims. They have to live up to that pledge. There’s a lot of catching up to do if the legacy is to be turned around.