Affordable home target ‘within reach’ – report
The Scottish Government is within reach of its affordable homes target, but more information is needed on whether the right properties are being built in the right places, a report has found.
Analysis was carried out on the housing investment plans of all 32 councils to see whether the target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes by 2021, with 70 per cent being socially rented, was likely to be met.
The independent report found delivery of affordable homes from April 2016 to March 2021 was estimated at 45,387 to 49,773, with up to 34,850 being socially rented.
The authors said the programme could potentially raise the social housing stock from just under 595,000 last year to up to 620,000 by 2021. However, the report warned more information was needed on the size, type and location of housing.
Shelter Scotland director Graeme Brown said: “This report is good news for the 137,100 households on council waiting lists and many others waiting for homes.”