Housing policy needs "radical" change

Failure to make changes to housing policy could risk Scotland’s future wellbeing, according to an independent commission.

The Commission on Housing and Wellbeing is calling for a “radical” change in direction from policy makers.

A key recommendation of its report is the need to construct 23,000 new homes a year, including 9,000 affordable homes. 

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Robert Black, chairman of the commission, said: “This report is about the central importance of everyone in Scotland having a safe, secure and suitable home which allows each and every one of us to live fulfilling lives and achieve our potential.

“We are a long way short of this. There are about 150,500 households on waiting lists for social housing, 940,000 in fuel poverty and over 60,000 are overcrowded. 

“With an averagely priced house now costing about five times the average annual income, owning your own home is becoming an unachievable pipedream for many people in Scotland, especially young adults and families.”

The commission, which was set up by Shelter Scotland, made 18 recommendations which it says would begin to address the housing-related poverty and environmental challenges currently facing Scotland. 

It also sets out the major issues for the next decade, such as housing benefit and council tax reform, freeing the supply of land for new housing, recognising and supporting the growing role of the private rented sector, and stepping up the pace in reducing residential greenhouse emissions.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioner’s Rights, Alex Neil, said: “I welcome this report which contributes to our vision for housing in Scotland.

“Working creatively with our partners we have developed a range of pioneering, innovative approaches at maximum value for taxpayers’ money to tackle Scotland’s housing challenges.

“This includes tackling energy efficiency, housing standards and our commitment to deliver 30,000 new affordable homes by next year.”

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said the report is a “major step forward” in understanding both the reasons for and some of the potential solutions to Scotland’s housing crisis.

“The challenge now is to ensure that as many of the priority recommendations in this report as possible are implemented by both local and national government as soon as is possible. Shelter Scotland will be closely monitoring the Scottish Government and wider housing sector to make sure that these recommendations are taken forward,” he added.