Forbes urged to make new affordable homes the ‘cornerstone of recovery’
Building affordable housing should be the "the cornerstone of Scotland's recovery", Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has been told ahead of Thursday's Budget.
A joint letter from 32 housing organisations, charities and support groups has urged Ms Forbes to prioritise affordable homes and social housing when she announces the Scottish govern men t' s budget plans for the coming financial year.
The letter argues that at least 53,000 new affordable homes, including at least 37,100 for social rent, are needed by 2026.
In the letter to Ms Forbes, the housing representatives said: "The Scottish Government has shown leadership, having committed to build a record number of social homes over the current parliament, but the need for affordable and social housing continues to rise.
"Homelessness and a lack of housing is not inevitable, building more social and affordable housing will help to meet the demand for housing, from those that need it most.
"We urge you to use the Scottish Budget as the opportunity to commit to reducing housing need by making social and affordable homes the cornerstone of Scotland' s recovery rebuilding Scotland' s economy, invigorating our communities, creating more jobs, helping meet climate and child poverty targets, and building a brighter future."
Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson, a signatory to the letter said :" In this week's Budget, we' re looking for a clear statement of intent from the scottish Government. The last year has shown us that providing quality housing is a matter of life and death. We can only end the housing emergency if we build enough good quality homes for everyone who needs them." Housing minister kevin stewart said :" we have already delivered nearly 97,000 affordable homes since 2007 and are determined to build on that achievement.
"We recognise the importance of delivering more affordable homes and that's why in November we increased the interim funding for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in 2021-22 from £300 million to £500 million ahead of this week's Budget.”