Help for affordable homes

An additional £80 million over the next two years will help councils deliver affordable homes across Scotland. 

The investment will mean local authorities will share a total of £1.3 billion between now and 2021 to help achieve the Scottish Government’s ambitious aim to deliver 50,000 affordable homes, with 35,000 available for social rent, by that date.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:

“We believe that everyone should be able to live in a warm affordable home. Our investment and delivery of affordable housing is the biggest since devolution and I am determined to see it benefit communities across Scotland.

“This investment backs up our ambitions with financial certainty. We will continue to work in partnership with councils and housing associations to deliver quality homes to meet local needs.”

Cllr Kelly Parry, COSLA Community Wellbeing spokesperson said:

“I am pleased to acknowledge the additional resources that will come to councils in this financial year and in 2020/21 to support the growth of affordable housing for all in our communities.”

Background

• The extra affordable housing investment available for each local authority area is decided by a needs based formula agreed with COSLA in 2012. A breakdown of funding by council areas is available
• Since 2007 more than 82,000 affordable homes have been delivered, including 55,920 homes for social rent
• Full details of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget for 2019-20, and the two year allocations for council areas is available
• In 2019-20 council areas will benefit from an extra £42 million on previously announced funding for affordable housing. In 2020-21, councils will benefit from an additional £38 million