Latest news with #AffordableHousingSupplyProgramme
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Work on more than 30 affordable homes in Paisley now complete
Built by McTaggart Construction, the 33 new homes for Williamsburgh Housing Association have been erected at Cartha Crescent. The delivery of the homes was made available due to the efforts with Renfrewshire Council and a grant of £3.2 million from The Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme. The project site, located approximately 1.3 km southeast of the town centre, was previously an unoccupied area of land. It is claimed that the development will "provide much-needed affordable housing solutions" and contribute to "addressing the ongoing housing crisis in the region". Allan Russell, a local and the site manager who led the project to completion, said: "Cartha Crescent has been an excellent development, and it holds a special place in my heart as it marks my first project in a leadership role. "The opportunity to grow from starting out with McTaggart to leading this significant project highlights the dedication and commitment of the entire McTaggart Construction team." READ MORE: Clydebank mum's despair as son can't play in garden Jonathan Grant, CEO at Williamsburgh Housing Association, said : "This is a fantastic development providing much needed family homes in our community. "The area has been completely transformed and everyone at WHA is thrilled for the tenants who have such a vibrant place to call home. "I would like to express my thanks to the team at McTaggart Construction who have worked tirelessly to deliver this project." George Adam MSP also praised the development. He added: "It was a real pleasure to have the chance to visit these new energy efficient homes, they have a really modern design, they are very spacious, and I was very impressed with the structural elements and fittings within each new home. "Williamsburgh Housing Association and McTaggart Construction have produced housing that is a credit to our town and the local community, they are to be congratulated. "With a bit of help from the Scottish Government this is the type of affordable housing that we should aspire to create throughout the country."
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
'Incompetent' ScotGov 'failings' on affordable homes pledge laid bare
The Scottish Government-backed Affordable Housing Supply Programme was officially launched in March 2022 with a fanfare fronted by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon which stated that of 110,000 homes promised by 2032, 77,700 would be for social rent - aimed at low income families. But since then, official data shows there have been 28,537 affordable homes delivered - 5000 short of what was needed to be on target to deliver on the pledge. Having fallen behind, to fulfil on its promise by 2032, the Scottish Government would have to deliver at a rate of 1005-a-month from now on, but that is two-and-a-half times the 396 affordable homes-a-month that actually were approved for public funding in 2024/25. To meet its pledge over the building of social homes for rent, the Scottish Government would have had had to oversee the delivery of 23,692 homes, but currently ministers are around 2,800 short of what was needed to be on target. The afforeable homes pledge (Image: NQ) To meet the promise of 77,000 homes for social rent by 2032, ministers would have to deliver at a rate of around 690-per-month from now on. But it can be revealed that in 2024/25 an average of just 347 affordable homes for social rent were being approved per month for funding - the lowest level for a decade. The Scottish Tenants Organisation said that the delivery of affordable homes has been shown to be "woefully short" and said that it shows the "sheer scale of this catastrophe in the social rented sector being overseen by this incompetent Scottish Government" and said there needs to be an emergency housing action plan. They said: "The Scottish Government is clearly failing the people of Scotland with declining approvals, starts and completions in the affordable housing supply programme and at this rate will fail to meet their own housing targets. This is completely unacceptable." Housing rights group Living Rent said that despite declaring a housing emergency a year ago, it has "completely failed to show any leadership on solving the crisis of affordable housing". Read more: "Declaring the emergency should have pushed the government to take concerted action but instead we have seen empty statements and not enough funding," they said. The Herald revealed in 2023 how professional standards body CIH had raised concerns over cuts to the budget and warned progress on homelessness is at risk without a funding commitment over rapid rehousing in permanent homes rather than in temporary accommodation. In the wake of the Scottish Government making a symbolic housing emergency declaration in mid-May, last year the key housing professionals group had said that while it is a start, it was not enough as the affordable homes budget, a key part of the Scottish Government bid to end the crisis lost more than £300m over the previous two years alone. John Swinney (Image: NQ) But in December, John Swinney reversed a near £200m annual cut to the provision of affordable homes although campaigners said it still fell short of what is needed to end the housing and homelessness crisis. The Herald's seven-point charter for change to help end Scotland's housing emergency, launched last July, was credited by some for sparking the change of heart. It included a call to cut the number of children living in temporary accommodation and a significant increase in the building of affordable homes. New official analysis further shows that the number of all new housebuilding starts continued to drop in 2024/25 after and is at its lowest since 2012/13 with 15,053 begun in the last financial year. Some 13 of Scotland's 32 councils declared housing emergencies since Argyll and Bute Council became the first in June 2023. It comes as the number of small and medium size (SME) home builders has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Red tape and rising costs are highlighted as key issues, with nearly 9 in 10 survey respondents saying government policies are making it harder for them to build, according to sector body Homes for Scotland. Sean Clerkin, campaign co-ordinator of the STO said: "Affordable housing has to become the number one priority for the Scottish Government which means that they have to spend hundreds of millions of pounds more to build tens of thousands of new affordable homes to provide warm and secure homes for all so as to greatly reduce social housing waiting lists and eradicate homelessness in Scotland." Aditi Jehangir, chairman of Living Rent, added: "Every voice on the issue is in agreement. Scotland needs more social housing. This government needs to take proper action now. Gordon MacRae, Shelter Scotland's assistant director for communications & advocacy, said the decline in the number of social homes being delivered was the "inevitable, and entirely foreseeable, consequence of repeated changes to the housing budget and lack of urgent action from the Scottish Government". Gordon MacRae (Image: Sarah Beveridge) He said: "If ministers fail to deliver the 110,000 new affordable homes by 2032, they will turn their backs on the thousands of people in Scotland who are being harmed by temporary accommodation while waiting for their forever home. 'Homelessness is rising across the country, and this is the opportunity for our new cabinet secretary for housing to lead in tackling the housing emergency and do things differently. We need homes for people experiencing homelessness and to get those 10,360 children out of temporary accommodation. This must start with sustained investment for more social homes.' Earlier this month the First Minister urged the UK Government to take more action and spend more money to address Scotland's housing crisis. Two weeks ago the First Minister was subsequently challenged to finally fix Scotland's housing emergency after the UK Government announced a multi-billion pound investment to build more affordable homes. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that £39 billion will be spent over the next 10 years in England to boost the supply of properties available for social and mid-market rent. The Chancellor announced the Scottish Government will receive £52 bn in total over the next three years, which means an additional £9bn for Holyrood by 2029. That came as it was announced Mairi McAllan would serve as the new Cabinet Secretary for Housing after receiving constant criticism in slumps in new build properties at a time of rising homelessness. The housing secretary said: 'Having a safe, warm and affordable place to call home is critical to a life of dignity and opportunity. The Scottish Government has a strong record in supporting the delivery of affordable homes but demand is high and we must step up our efforts." She said the affordable homes delivery analysis demonstrated "the challenge we face, but it will be my top priority to ensure everyone in Scotland, and in particular our children, have the opportunity to thrive and I am focussed on delivering that real change". She added: 'These challenges, which are not unique to Scotland, are made harder to tackle due to an incredibly difficult financial settlement from the UK Government. However, we have consistently invested and have delivered more than 139,000 affordable homes from 2007 to March 2025. 99,000 of these have been made available for social rent. That's 47% more per head of population than England and 73% more than Wales as of March 2024. 'I will re-double efforts now by investing £768m this financial year in affordable housing and give tenants stronger protection against damp and mould through Awaab's Law. We'll also invest a further £2m this year to help councils unlock barriers and to target empty homes."
Glasgow Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
'Our homelessness services are under significant pressure'
We are aware that the number of people living in temporary homeless accommodation is at a record high, from reports provided by Glasgow's Health and Social Care Partnership. Currently, staff at the Health and Social Care Partnership are focusing on supporting people who are living in an emergency situation. At the moment, the demand for housing in Glasgow is much greater than the housing supply. There can be a delay of several years before people who are homeless can access a permanent house or flat. Homeless charities highlight that the cuts by the UK Department for Work and Pensions towards Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit will lead to a further increase in homelessness. Decisions by the UK Government in the year ahead are likely to exacerbate our already stretched council services. The Scottish Government is mitigating the UK Government's Bedroom Tax. We know that this funding would be better spent tackling the housing crisis and the UK Government should scrap this tax. There is a Housing Transfer Incentive Scheme in Glasgow which can help release large housing association homes by encouraging people in 'under-occupied' properties with three rooms or more, to downsize. Tenants can access appropriately sized homes to meet their needs through specific housing support services. We can welcome the Scottish Parliament's Housing Inquiry by the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee which has published a series of recommendations to support further collaboration by the Scottish Government with housing providers to deliver a national overarching Housing Emergency Action Plan by the end of this session. We need the Scottish Government to provide clarity on whether its additional funding for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget will ensure that it meets its target of providing 110,000 affordable homes by 2030. It is vital that housing is a priority and that the Scottish Government considers the importance of increasing the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget. There has been significant partnership working undertaken to respond to the housing crisis. We can welcome the number of housing associations providing lets to tenants who are homeless across Glasgow. The Scottish Government can explore the opportunities available by increasing social investment in housing. The capacity of housing associations could be developed to increase the number of homes, especially for families, in our local communities. There is a need to ensure clarity for housing providers on the intended statutory requirement for homes to meet net-zero standards. Uncertainty is deterring housing development and this needs to be addressed to help tackle the housing crisis. We can support the appointment of Màiri McAllan as Cabinet Secretary for Housing to ensure that there is increased focus on tackling the housing crisis and providing energy-efficient homes for the future. It is vital that the new Cabinet Secretary can use all the powers at her disposal to address the housing crisis we face.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Spend every penny of increased cash on affordable housing, charity urges
Scottish ministers have been urged to fully pass on a funding increase caused by a boost in housing spend by the UK Government. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced on Wednesday £39 billion would be spent over the next decade on housing. The cash will result in an increase in funding for Scotland, though the Treasury has as yet been unable to say how much extra cash will come north of the border. The announcement comes as the Scottish Government has been dealing with a housing emergency in the country for more than a year and as Mairi McAllan was appointed Housing Secretary on Wednesday. Shelter Scotland – a key housing charity north of the border – has urged ministers to ensure every penny provided to the Scottish Government as a result of the boost goes towards affordable homes. 'The UK Government has finally recognised the importance of social housing and placed it at the heart of the Chancellor's plans,' the charity's director, Alison Watson, said. 'If additional funding is made available, only the Scottish Government can decide how it is allocated. But if the First Minister is serious about tackling the housing emergency and ending child poverty, housing must be a priority. 'We demand that any consequentials arising from this investment in housing in England are passed directly to Scotland's affordable housing supply programme. 'This is already the case with NHS spending – housing should be no different. After all, home is everything. 'We know that building more social homes is the only way to tackle the housing emergency. 'It is the only way we can move the 10,360 children currently in temporary accommodation into secure, permanent homes.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'As part of his reshuffle, the First Minister has put tackling the housing emergency at the heart of his Cabinet by appointing Mairi McAllan as Cabinet Secretary for Housing. 'This financial year, we have increased the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget by £200 million to £768 million, including £40m targeted towards acquisitions to support the local authorities with the most sustained homelessness and temporary accommodation pressures. 'The full implications of the UK spending review, which outlined spending on housing in the next 10 years, are still being considered.'
Edinburgh Reporter
09-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Council approves purchase of more homes on Dreghorn Estate
The council's Finance Committee has approved spending £6.65 million to purchase 38 homes currently owned by the Ministry of Defence, bringing the total number bought in this development for rent by the council to 78. The council says this action, unanimously approved on Monday morning, will prevent 15 civilian households becoming homeless, and will help the local authority deal with the housing emergency. There was a lot of comment during the meeting on the positive way that the collaboration between council officers and the residents had been conducted. But one member of the committee, Cllr Simita Kumar, who leads the SNP group, said that she had to rely on social media for much of her information. She said: ''Securing these 38 homes is a step forward for residents and local housing, but this is just the start of the process. The uncertainty tenants have faced shows the Council and Ministry of Defence must do much better on communication. 'As we await condition surveys, it's clear significant investment will be needed to make these homes safe, energy-efficient, and truly fit to live in.' Cllr Watt said she and the officers had tried to be disciplined about communication but there were several stakeholders involved who had been quick to share information. As part of what was approved today the council officers will set up regular periodic calls with residents which councillors can join to receive the most up to date information. At the meeting Most councillors attended the Special Meeting online, as is usual for a special meeting, although Cllrs Simita Kumar, Joan Griffiths and Phil Doggart as well as the Convener Cllr Mandy Watt were in the Dean of Guild Court Room along with council officers. Local councillor Conor Savage also sat in the public gallery supporting the residents who were there to present a deputation. Finance and Resources Convener Mandy Watt said: 'We're doing everything we can to make sure these residents will remain in their homes and to increase the amount of affordable and social housing we have in the city – and I know the residents are very grateful that this proposal has had so much support from councillors. 'Purchasing these homes is a sensible way to boost the housing we have, and Dreghorn is a community that provides a great place for council tenants to have a suitable, safe and affordable place to call home. 'Council colleagues have worked over many months to negotiate this purchase from the Ministry of Defence, listening to the concerns of Dreghorn residents at every turn and ensuring good value for the council. This is a huge step towards a positive outcome – a fantastic example of doing things differently to make sure we address our housing emergency.' The financial details are set out in the council report: 6.1 The net purchase price of £6,650,000 will be funded with £3,289,000 from the Scottish Government National Acquisition Fund grant delivered through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme with the balance of £3,361,000 funded through rental income and prudentially borrowed over a 30-year period. 6.2 In addition to the purchase price, additional capital works for asbestos removal, lettable standard works, net zero carbon and lifecycle costs have been estimated at £4,737,232 in total (£124,664 per unit). 6.3 The principal re-payment for the net purchase costs, asbestos removal and lettable standard works, is estimated at £4,794,772 plus interest costs of £3,972,565 at 5.25% interest rate, a total loans charge cost of £8,767,337 over the 30-year period. Annual average costs are £292,245. 6.4 The funding requirements for net zero carbon and lifecycle costs will be factored into future years' HRA budgets and approved through the relevant annual budget setting process. 6.5 The purchase of the 38 properties is estimated to generate additional net income to the HRA of £135,522 by year 10, which increases to £1,967,023 by year 30. This has been calculated using the same percentage rental income increase assumptions as used in the 2025/26 HRA Business Plan. Dreghorn residents Deputation Three of the residents from Dreghorn addressed the committee, and spoke of the uncertainty they were living under for the last six months. Reident Mandy Burgen said: 'What sits before you this morning is a proposal that is a testament of determination and what can be achieved when we all work together collaboratively. 'It proves that solutions can be found and that circumstances can be changed. In March, we sat before you with the support of Living Rent and raised awareness of the desolate prospects that were evolving for the families of the Dreghorn Estate. 'Today proves you listened, and now we ask you to act and that our voices be heard again. 'Since November 2024 the families in the Dreghorn community have been no strangers to the feelings of dejection. Imagine feelings of deprived aspirations, a constant sense of futurelessness and having to hit the pause button on every aspect of your lives. It isn't about losing a house. It's about losing our homes, our family security and livelihoods and the fear of being ejected from our community connections on a micro and macro sociological level.' Another resident, Amy Monaghan, explained that she is a worried single disabled mother of two children, both of whom are neurodivergent. She said: 'I work as a dinner lady at one of the schools local to Dreghorn Estate and also care for my autistic brother part-time. November of last year, I've been living under a cloud of constant fear and anxiety that I would lose my house, possibly lose my job because of it, and that my children will lose their friends and stability that's been hard earned over the past few difficult years. 'For my family this house represents more than four walls to shelter in. We've built relationships within our community, discovered support systems, and adapted out lives around a space that is perfect for the complex needs of my children. Our neighbours have become our extended family through this ordeal and having the community is what has helped us cope – and beyond that will help us thrive.' Catherine Lomax spoke on behalf of her daughter who is a disabled adult living independently in the Dreghorn Estate, but who has been affected by the threat of eviction. She said: 'The situation was hopeless, and Sarah was in the depths of depression and anxiety. The threat of eviction was devastating. She was desperately stressed and stopped doing all her normal activities as her mind was entirely focused on becoming homeless. Her coping mechanism was to run away and hide. Since then, the whole community has pulled together to support each other. Losing her home would be a terrible upheaval of her life, but now we have hope that she will keep it and as an added bonus, the campaign has resulted in deep friendships and support within the community.' Cllr Kumar commented that the residents had painted a really positive picture of their dealings with the council officers and elected members, but wondered if they had an ask for what would happen now. The residents replied that the future of Dreghorn is to keep building the community and that working together is testament to the housing policy – and 'that we can make these things work'. Cllr Younie also asked about the new residents association and what they would like the council to do to better support them moving forward. The reply was the same: 'Going forward it is about building sustainable communities. Through this we have bonded even tighter together.' The Finance Convener asked what it would mean to the residents and Ms Burgen said that personally it would allow her to make plans again. She said: 'The incredible amount of work means security. When this news broke six months ago I was in America at my daughter's wedding. She wanted me to go and see her in August. I have had to hit the pause button on that as I didn't know – I could have been homeless going forward. When we saw this proposal today we were over the moon about it and we just ask everybody to pass this proposal today.' Cllr Savage began his address to the committee with thank yous – particularly for council officers and councillors. He said: I want to thank the residents for their patience and engagement, especially given the pressure and uncertainty they've been under. I am confident the residents association will grow going forward. 'These are homes not just houses, and today we have a unique opportunity to save the community, tackle the housing crisis and homelessness in the city.' Cllr Savage said to The Edinburgh Reporter after the meeting: 'I am incredibly happy. We heard from the deputation the impact this whole situation has had on them, so I am happy to see that the committee has approved this. There has been so much hard work done on this by council officers, by the council, other elected officials and as I said to the meeting the work done on collaborating and engaging has been absolutely essential.' Asked about the unknown level of costs – which could be as much as £4.737 million to remedy asbestos in the properties and upgrade them to net zero carbon homes, Cllr Savage did not reply, saying instead: 'I think we have a unique opportunity to save a community to tackle the housing crisis in the city as well as homelessness, in what in my opinion is a good deal as well.' Cllr Doggart asked for more clarity about the repairs needing done to these houses. He said: 'Are we buying properties that are not in a particularly good state at the moment?' He was assured by the council officers that there will be condition surveys carried out as part of the conditions of purchase. Council officers believe there will only be a little work required on the basis of the condition of previous homes purchased. When the purchase is settled the existing leases will be terminated, and capital spending will afterwards be incurred on the repairs. Cllr Doggart asked about the future level of rents receivable. Council officers said that these would be individual conversations with tenants and so had not yet been finalised. Cllr Doggart was assured the purchase price reflects current condition and an officer confirmed that when the houses are purchased – probably in September or October – any remedial works will then be scheduled. Green councillor Alex Staniforth asked that the council maintains the green space around the development to a high standard. The council will become liable for a charge for this common area when they take over ownership, and this was agreed as part of the committee decision. In summing up Cllr Watt said she was happy about the level of support this proposal has had, and this decision of the committee will be referred to full council next week for ratification. Like this: Like Related
