Call for 53,000 affordable new homes as part of Covid recovery

SCOTLAND’S political parties are being urged to commit to building 53,000 affordable homes over the next five years as part of the social and economic recovery from Covid.

Work is currently under way on new affordable homes in Bingham and Parkview in North East Edinburgh.

In its manifesto for next year’s Holyrood elections, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations says access to high-quality, affordable housing is key to rebuilding after the pandemic.

And it calls for £3.4 billion of capital investment to tackle housing need, reduce poverty and create jobs.

The manifesto, Housing Scotland: Building Our Social and Economic Recovery, sets out 25 actions on housing, poverty and homelessness; future-proofing housing stock; and reducing Scotland’s carbon footprint.

SFHA’s other asks include calling for the next Scottish Government to commit to a large-scale funding programme for improving and refurbishing existing housing stock to bring it up to date with the latest government energy efficiency standards; and a government engagement plan with housing associations on the implications of growing rent arrears, not only in relation to tenants but also their landlords.

SFHA chief executive Sally Thomas said: “Our manifesto sets out where the next Scottish Government and housing associations can work together to deliver for Scotland and its people.

“No other sector has the ability to influence social and economic change to the same extent as the social housing sector. Our manifesto provides a road map that shows how we can continue to address housing need, tackle poverty and homelessness and reduce our carbon footprint. Committing to the actions in it will drive economic and social recovery following the pandemic."

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