SNP claim ‘better than England’ record as housing plan set out
THE SNP have promised 100,000 new homes over the next 10 years – and claimed their record on housing is better than any other party.
The main parties have all put targets on how many affordable homes they would build over the next five years if elected.
The SNP said their previous investment has been higher than Westminster, building more homes than have been created in England.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is in Dumbarton today to campaign on her party’s record and plans for housebuilding.
She said: “In the last term, our investment was three times higher than the UK on a per-capita basis, and in each of the last two financial years we’ve actually delivered a greater number of social rented properties in Scotland than across the whole of England.
“But if re-elected, we plan to go further and faster. As part of our 20-year housing strategy we’ll deliver 100,000 affordable homes over the next decade, and the £3.5 billion we will invest during this parliament will support an estimated 14,000 jobs a year.
“And by 2026, all new homes delivered by registered social landlords and local authorities will be zero-emissions homes.
“The SNP record on affordable housing stands head and shoulders above that of other parties.”
Meanwhile, Labour revealed plans to introduce a minimum income guarantee using Holyrood’s social security powers.
The party highlighted a Joseph Rowntree Foundation report that found a single person needs to earn £19,200 a year, and a couple with two children needs to earn £18,700 each.
Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour’s spokesperson on social security, said: “By guaranteeing a Minimum Income Standard that no one would fall below, we’d secure the wellbeing and human rights of all of Scotland’s people.
“That work must start straight away because there is not a moment to lose.”
The Scottish Greens outlined their plan for arts and culture to play a role in breathing new life into Scotland’s high streets as we emerge from the pandemic.
The party proposes Local Place Plans to allow community-led planning to build stronger communities.
It includes supporting the repurposing of commercial properties into artist-led spaces such as studios, venues, cinemas, workshops and production facilities.
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “Even before the pandemic hit Scotland, many high streets had far too many empty units.
“We need to rethink our town centres, so they become attractive places to be, and artists can play a huge role in a green recovery.
“As Covid restrictions ease and we get a chance to get together again there will be huge appetite for gigs and galleries. We need to let artists lead that.”