Robison addresses housing concerns

Housing secretary Shona Robison addressed a number of the concerns affecting tenants and first-time buyers and the Scottish Government’s long-term strategy – Housing to 2040.

The SNP MSP for Dundee City East said: “Delivery of affordable housing is a priority for the Scottish Government. We want everyone to have access to a warm, safe, affordable and energy-efficient home that meets their needs, in a community they feel part of and proud of.

“Homes are so much more than bricks and mortar – providing access to good quality housing is a core part of our drive to secure economic growth, promote social justice, strengthen communities and tackle inequality.

“We recognise that delivering affordable homes in rural areas presents particular challenges which is why we have committed to developing a Remote, Rural and Island Action Plan to help ensure more homes are delivered for these areas.

“We have also set a target of delivering another 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be for social rent and 10% will be in remote, rural and island communities.”

When asked what an affordable home meant in real terms, Ms Robison said the government was working on a “better definition of what an affordable home is.”

She also admitted there were problems with the Rent Pressure Zone scheme and said plans were under way to overhaul the system.

On the issues of second homes, vacant properties and holiday lets, Ms Robison said: “We are also aware of growing concerns about the potential negative effects of concentrations of second homes.

“We need to balance the economic benefits of second home ownership with the impacts on local housing supply. Local authorities have the option to remove the second homes council tax discount, and our Additional Dwelling Supplement can help to discourage people from buying second homes.”