Menu
10/07/2009
Scotland's Affordable Homes Hit 50 Year Low
Scotland has fewer social rented homes than it had 50 years ago, according to a report published today by housing and homelessness charity, Shelter Scotland.
The charity's new report 'Building Pressure', which shows the growing gap between the number of homes needed and the number available, launches the charity's campaign for a serious cash hike for housing from next year's budget.
The report shows there are fewer social homes for rent than at any time since 1959. Much of that decline has been as a result of Right to Buy. Since 1998 alone, 135,000 homes have been sold through Right to Buy.
The number of council homes available to let has fallen dramatically. In 2001, there were 3.9 people on council waiting lists for every let. By 2008, this had risen to 6.6.
At current rates it would take almost seven years to find a house for everyone already on housing waiting lists.
The number of people stuck in temporary accommodation - often expensive accommodation provided to people who are homeless - has soared by 135% between 2001 and 2008. This means there are at least 17,000 people (including 7,000 children) in temporary housing - almost enough to fill Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh.
By 2008, despite house price inflation falling off, it was still 16% harder for a first time buyer to buy a home than it was in 2001.
The Shelter's campaign aims to secure a commitment from the Scottish Government to fund 30,000 affordable rented homes by 2012 - the deadline for Scotland's internationally acclaimed homelessness legislation to give everyone a home.
Mr Brown said: "The Building Pressure report lays bare the chasm between the number of homes needed and the number available to house Scotland's people. People are losing their jobs and their homes, piling pressure on a system already at breaking point. It's a crisis that's built up over time and can only be solved by building more homes.
He added: "The Scottish Government's medicine - of bringing forward cash from next year's budget is welcome but the doses of cash for housing overall are inadequate. Last year's budget fell short of Shelter Scotland and other housing experts' projection of what we need to end the housing crisis. We cannot afford to make the same mistake in 2009. Scotland's people, its reputation, and its recovery, depend on tough funding decisions and decisive action."
(GK/JM)
The charity's new report 'Building Pressure', which shows the growing gap between the number of homes needed and the number available, launches the charity's campaign for a serious cash hike for housing from next year's budget.
The report shows there are fewer social homes for rent than at any time since 1959. Much of that decline has been as a result of Right to Buy. Since 1998 alone, 135,000 homes have been sold through Right to Buy.
The number of council homes available to let has fallen dramatically. In 2001, there were 3.9 people on council waiting lists for every let. By 2008, this had risen to 6.6.
At current rates it would take almost seven years to find a house for everyone already on housing waiting lists.
The number of people stuck in temporary accommodation - often expensive accommodation provided to people who are homeless - has soared by 135% between 2001 and 2008. This means there are at least 17,000 people (including 7,000 children) in temporary housing - almost enough to fill Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh.
By 2008, despite house price inflation falling off, it was still 16% harder for a first time buyer to buy a home than it was in 2001.
The Shelter's campaign aims to secure a commitment from the Scottish Government to fund 30,000 affordable rented homes by 2012 - the deadline for Scotland's internationally acclaimed homelessness legislation to give everyone a home.
Mr Brown said: "The Building Pressure report lays bare the chasm between the number of homes needed and the number available to house Scotland's people. People are losing their jobs and their homes, piling pressure on a system already at breaking point. It's a crisis that's built up over time and can only be solved by building more homes.
He added: "The Scottish Government's medicine - of bringing forward cash from next year's budget is welcome but the doses of cash for housing overall are inadequate. Last year's budget fell short of Shelter Scotland and other housing experts' projection of what we need to end the housing crisis. We cannot afford to make the same mistake in 2009. Scotland's people, its reputation, and its recovery, depend on tough funding decisions and decisive action."
(GK/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 January 2015
More Than 350 Councils To Receive New Homes Bonus Payments
Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, has published the final allocations of New Homes Bonus Payments to over 350 councils in England. The total awarded to councils since the scheme's introduction is£3.4 billion, for delivering more than 700,000 new homes and conversions, and bringing over 100,000 empty homes back into use.
More Than 350 Councils To Receive New Homes Bonus Payments
Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, has published the final allocations of New Homes Bonus Payments to over 350 councils in England. The total awarded to councils since the scheme's introduction is£3.4 billion, for delivering more than 700,000 new homes and conversions, and bringing over 100,000 empty homes back into use.
30 May 2014
Housing Associations To Receive Share Of £208m In Loans
Thirteen housing associations will receive a share of £208 million in loans to deliver 4,800 new affordable homes. Communities across the country are set to benefit from thousands of new affordable homes under a multi-million pound deal announced by Housing Minister Kris Hopkins.
Housing Associations To Receive Share Of £208m In Loans
Thirteen housing associations will receive a share of £208 million in loans to deliver 4,800 new affordable homes. Communities across the country are set to benefit from thousands of new affordable homes under a multi-million pound deal announced by Housing Minister Kris Hopkins.
25 February 2005
Liberal Democrats launch housing scheme
Liberal Democrats leader, Charles Kennedy, has announced plans to create 100,000 affordable homes, as part of the party's housing policy. The new scheme aims to help first-time buyers get a foot onto the housing ladder through a mutual ownership trust scheme.
Liberal Democrats launch housing scheme
Liberal Democrats leader, Charles Kennedy, has announced plans to create 100,000 affordable homes, as part of the party's housing policy. The new scheme aims to help first-time buyers get a foot onto the housing ladder through a mutual ownership trust scheme.
05 October 2010
Over 1,000 Planned Homes 'Fail Daily'
The Government's decision to scrap the nation's planning infrastructure, without putting an alternative system in place, will lead to 300,000 planned homes being ditched by local authorities across the country.
Over 1,000 Planned Homes 'Fail Daily'
The Government's decision to scrap the nation's planning infrastructure, without putting an alternative system in place, will lead to 300,000 planned homes being ditched by local authorities across the country.
07 February 2006
Care homes failing on medication standards
Nearly half of all nursing and care homes in England are failing to meet national minimum standards on medication, an inspectors report has claimed. People are often given the wrong medication, someone else's medication, medication in the wrong doses or no medication at all, the Commission for Social Care Inspection report found.
Care homes failing on medication standards
Nearly half of all nursing and care homes in England are failing to meet national minimum standards on medication, an inspectors report has claimed. People are often given the wrong medication, someone else's medication, medication in the wrong doses or no medication at all, the Commission for Social Care Inspection report found.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
