Increasing affordable housing among First Minister’s priorities
This week John Swinney set out his government’s areas of focus.
This week, new First Minister John Swinney MSP made a statement to the Scottish Parliament setting out his government’s mission and priorities. Noting in his opening lines the government’s record on delivering affordable homes, he went on to outline that increasing affordable housing supply would be a key area for his government and Ministers.
Both Douglas Ross MSP, Scottish Conservative leader, and Anas Sarwar MSP, Scottish Labour leader, mentioned the housing emergency in their responses. This was backed by questions from backbench MSPs who further questioned the First Minister on how exactly his government would increase the supply of affordable rented homes.
It was also confirmed that the Scottish Government’s annual Programme for Government, which sets out their plans for the coming year, will be brought forward to June – this is usually held after summer recess.
Sally Thomas, SFHA CEO, said in response: “After months of campaigning from ourselves and partner organisations, I’m pleased that the First Minister has recognised that increasing affordable housing supply is central to his goal of a fairer Scotland.
"With a housing emergency declared only last week, we now need to see clear actions in the upcoming Programme for Government that start to address it. Only then will we start to turn a corner to more social homes, fewer people experiencing homelessness, and ultimately a fairer Scotland.”
SFHA will be working to influence the upcoming Programme and will keep members informed as the new government’s plans develop.