Monday September 16th 2024
Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View
Housing is a fundamental human right. Yet, for too many people in Scotland, the idea of a secure, affordable home remains just out of reach. That’s why the issue of affordable housing is one of the most pressing concerns of our time – and one the SNP Scottish Government is fully committed to addressing.
The SNP has already made significant progress when it comes to building affordable homes. Since the SNP affordable housing programme began in 2007, over 122,200 affordable homes have been built, directly benefiting the community. In comparison with the rest of the UK, Scotland leads the way in the annual average supply of affordable housing per head of population. In Scotland 13.9 homes per 10,000 population has been built, compared with 9.7 per 10,000 in England, 8.0 in Wales and 12.7 in Northern Ireland.
The Scottish Government are aware that more work has still to be done, and I was pleased to see the recent announcement of an extra £40 million being allocated to help local authorities reduce the use of temporary accommodation and bring vacant businesses back into use. This will see Midlothian Council allocated £471,000 to boost supply. Every family in Midlothian deserves a safe and warm place to call home, and initiatives like will help ensure this is the case.
Affordable housing is about more than addressing a crisis – it’s about investing in Scotland’s future. Housing helps boost local economies, create jobs, and strengthens communities, allowing young families to stay within their support networks. It gives people the security they need to build a better life.
Housing should not be a luxury, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Scottish Parliament to fight for a society where affordable housing is a right for all.
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