Number of affordable homes has risen in Scotland

THE number of affordable homes approved rose last year, according to new figures.

Official statistics show there were 11,677 affordable homes approved in 2017/18, up 14% on the previous year, and the third consecutive annual increase.

However there was a slight decrease i n approvals for social rented homes, down by 2% or 124.

Affordable housing completions totalled 8534, up 16%, including a 15% rise in social rent completions.

The Scottish Government has a target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes, including 35,000 homes for social rent, by 2020/21.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, welcomed the rise in affordable house building approvals and completions but said homes for social rent must be boosted.

He said: “These figures show good progress towards the Scottish Government’s 50,000 new affordable homes target during the lifetime of this parliament, but the slight decline in approvals in homes for social rent shows that there is no room for complacency.

“Homes for social rent are key to tackling Scotland’s housing crisis. Last year there were 137,100 households on council waiting lists.

“We urge the Scottish Government, housing associations and councils to do all they can to ensure enough social homes of the right type, in the right places, are built to meet the high demand.”