‘Too many people still without a secure and affordable home’

HAVING a good home is central to the wellbeing of everyone in Scotland.

Robert Black, the former Auditor General of Scotland speaking of the launch of the independent Housing and Wellbeing Commission, which he is to chair, said that despite the fundamental role played by housing, Scotland was suffering from decades of under-investment and there is a need for fresh thinking. The commission, which has been set up with support from Shelter Scotland, launched yesterday at a time when there is a serious lack of affordable housing, and poor quality housing continues to adversely affect the health and life chances of many people across Scotland.

Black said: “Despite research showing that having a safe and secure home is a number one priority for people in Scotland, too many people still go without a secure and affordable place they can call home.

“With 39,000 homeless households last year and 155,100 people on council waiting lists, Scotland is still blighted by extreme health and education inequalities and poverty. Poor housing can have a significant impact on health, education, employability and life chances.

“Shelter Scotland has invited me to chair an independent commission of respected, experienced and influential people to take a fundamental look at housing policy in Scotland and to consider what needs to change to enhance the wellbeing of people living in Scotland.”

In the coming months, the commission will gather research and consult with a broad range of groups – including communities, the housing providers across all sectors, and also with those directly affected by the issues highlighted in the research. They will present a report before the next parliamentary elections which will review national housing priorities and policies.

Black emphasised the independence of the commission: “Although the commission is sponsored by Shelter Scotland, we will bring our own independent perspective on housing in Scotland, and we hope we can make a contribution to fresh thinking about Scotland’s housing policy in advance of the next cycle of Scottish and UK elections.”

The number of homes sold in the UK hit an almost four-year high last month as the housing market recovery continues to gather pace, according to the September RICS Residential Market Survey.

The average number of properties sold per chartered surveyor in the three months to September reached 18.7.

Although still historically low, this is the highest figure since November 2009 and, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors say, demonstrates the extent to which the market is now picking up across the country. In tandem with increasing numbers of sales, prices continued to grow with 54 per cent more respondents reporting rises rather than falls. Prices have now steadily increased since Easter and, significantly, this growth was seen right across the UK.

All regions reported an increase, apart from the North East of England, which saw a moderate drop.

Meerkats, donkeys, buffaloes and a zebra racoons, water are up for sale with the Fife Animal Park, which is up for sale through estate agents Smiths Gore for offers over £500,000, complete with its extensive menagerie.

The unusual proposition is being offered to people who may have always harboured a desire for their own zoo. It is being offered as a going concern.

The business, near Cupar, is split into two elements – the animal park, which turns over £400,000 per year, and the Fife Animal Trust, a registered charity.

The centre’s facilities include a tenacre animal park with enclosures, a licensed restaurant, soft play area, office, pet store and two play parks.

There are expansion plans to incorporate kennels and a cattery for more than 60 animals if the new owner wanted to take the business in that direction.

The sale includes all livestock and vehicles, so it should be easy for the buyer to pick up where the current owner leaves off.

John Coleman, of Smiths Gore, acknowledges the rarity of such an opportunity: “This is a popular visitor attraction and an extraordinary and unconventional business enterprise, which is certain to attract a lot of interest. It would suit animal lovers looking for a business that is a little bit out of the ordinary.”

As well as the animal business, the pet store, cafe and restaurant could be exploited further to generate more income, and the proposed kennels and cattery are another money-making opportunity. Coleman says “There is plenty of scope to build on what is already an established and successfully run operation.”