HOMES for Scotland (HFS) is urging the public to raise their concerns over the housing emergency as latest statistics reveal an ongoing decline in the number of new homes being started and completed across the country.
Jane Wood, chief executive of the sector body, said, “Whether its continuing falls in the construction of much needed new homes, rising homelessness, high numbers on social housing waiting lists or children in temporary accommodation, the figures in relation to Scotland’s housing emergency speak for themselves. Quite frankly, Scotland’s communities need to see a return to positive growth in housing delivery across all tenures, this is the clearest way to illustrate that strong and decisive action is being taken. That is the bottom line.
“I know these figures will be deeply disappointing for the new cabinet secretary for housing Mairi McAllan who has demonstrated both strong leadership and ambition in the short time that she has been in post, most recently at our annual conference last week where she recognised we have all the tools in this country to overcome the decline in the supply of new homes.
“Frustratingly, as we have been consistently promoting to officials and now published in our manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliament election, solutions are within grasp but this requires bold and co-ordinated from the Scottish Government across a wide range of areas including planning, support for SME home builders and a pause on any further regulation impacting the delivery of more homes.
“With the next Scottish elections just eight months away, it is time for the public to make their voices heard by challenging the status quo and demanding the systemic change that is required to ensure everyone living in Scotland has access to a home that meets their needs.
“Even if you think this issue doesn’t affect you specifically, it will be impacting family members, friends and colleagues in some shape or form. Crucially, it is our young people and future generations that will suffer most if action isn’t taken now. We are all responsible for ridding Scotland of its housing emergency and I would urge everyone all to learn more about how they can play their part in achieving this at homesbuildfutures.scot.”
