Councillor calls for reassurance over evictions
MORE than £ 4.7 million has been a w a r d e d t o Glasgow City Council to help deliver a f fo rd able home s t o residents.
The findings of the midterm appraisal review of Glasgow’s housing strategy were presented at the city administration committee on Thursday.
Labour councillor Cecilia O’Lone ( right) welcomed the report but asked for reassurances that people renting mid- market properties would not be evicted if they found their circumstances had changed because Covid- 19.
She said: “I note the report highlighted some of the challenges that Covid- 19 had brought. I am interested to see how this is affecting mid- market rent.
“Across the city we of have seen growth in these properties and the criteria is that people must be employed and have an annual income between £ 19,000 and £ 40,000.
“We already know that people are losing their jobs or have a reduction in salary so with regard to that, can I ask if there is a level of security to people already in mid- market homes, whose employment has gone or is in danger of going? Could these properties be in danger of not being let in the future?”
Housing convenor councillor Kenny McLean advised Ms O’Lone that a ban on evictions at this time was still in place. He said: “In terms of mid- market rent, the affordable housing programme is about 70% social housing. We are recognising the needs of people on lower incomes and what they might be able to afford. Mid- market rent satisfies a strand of the market for people who may have a higher income so they may then benefit from that range of housing.
“The Scottish Government has put a ban on evictions so those people shouldn’t be under any threat of losing their home.”
Councillor O’Lone also asked if there was enough vacant accommodation to help the homeless or those already on the waiting list for a home.
Mr McLean informed her that the local authority works very closely with registered social landlords who are providing a very large proportion of stock for homeless people.
The rapid rehousing strategy is also under review throughout the current pandemic.
Councillor McLean said: “Over the next two years our strategy will respond to the key changes associated with the Covid- 19 pandemic.
“This will form preparations for the next strategy which is due in 2022/ 23.”