From SNP website:-
A return to council housing was launched today as the SNP Government announced support for over 900 new council homes across Scotland.
Funding of £17 million will see homes built from East Lothian to Orkney as the SNP continues to turn around Scotland’s social housing.
Under Labour only 6 council homes were built in eight years. The SNP has also moved to abolish right to buy on new build houses.
Half of the funding will support homes in Edinburgh and the Lothians were housing is under pressure.
Housing Minister Alex Neil announced the funding saying;
“The Scottish Government is investing record amounts in affordable housing, more than 1.5 billion pounds over three years, despite the tightest settlement from Westminster since devolution.
“These are hard times for businesses and families across Scotland and this government is working hard to meet this challenge, refocus activity and ensure Scotland gets through the economic downturn in the strongest possible position.
“Building on this, the announcement today will help the successful local authorities to reverse decades of decline in council house building as well as safeguarding jobs, supporting the construction industry and keeping the economy moving.”
Areas benefiting from the government funding include Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, East Lothian,Falkirk, Fife,Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire – 1 million pounds for 40 homes, Orkney, Perth and Kinross, South Lanarkshire, Stirling and West Lothian.
Lothians MSPs welcomed the announcment which will see over 600 new homes built in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Shirley-Anne Somerville called on the UK Government to offer similar support by writing off the housing debts of local authorities;
“672 new homes in Edinburgh and Lothians will have a positive impact on housing in the region.
“Ending the right to buy on new build council homes has given councils the freedom to begin building social housing again.
“In contrast to this support from the SNP it remains disappointing that Labour refuse to right off the housing debts of local authorities – brought about by the imposition of right to buy. When Alasdair Darling can bail out the banks he should look strongly at supporting Scotland’s councils.”
Livingston MSP Angela Constance added;
“After only 6 council houses were built in the Labour years this funding will deliver 970 new homes, on top of those council’s are already building themselves.
“That West Lothian has won over £2.4 million of funding for 248 homes is a real recognition of the work the council has put in to bringing housing back onto the agenda and to meeting the challenges of our ever expanding population.
“Too often housing concerns are focussed on our cities. This funding shows the SNP Government recognises the need for housing across the country, whether in urban areas like West Lothian or rural parts of Aberdeenshire.
“Affordable good quality housing is essential and the SNP is delivering better housing across Scotland.”
