Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic report: SG response

Housing

‘Housing to 2040’ is the Scottish Government’s national housing strategy. Its headline aim is to build 110,000 new affordable homes across Scotland – 10% of which will be in rural and island communities. The means for fulfilling this latter commitment are outlined in the Scottish Government’s Rural and Island Housing Action Plan. Its actions were developed in consultation with the bodies identified for bringing forward this recommendation.

The Action Plan considers four approaches to housing demand in rural and island communities. It recognises the need to deliver more high-quality affordable homes. Current housing stock must be better utilised. Community-led development – already a vital feature of life within the Report’s Key Gaelic Communities – will be further supported. Finally, the question of housing must be approached within the local economic context shaping it. Individual actions within the Rural and Island Housing Action Plan are considered in greater detail against the recommendations below.

The Rural and Island Housing Action Plan also seeks to address disparities in digital connectivity. Through the plan, the Scottish Government will review suppliers’ current and expected gigabit-capable build. This will invite views from wider stakeholders – including those representing Gaelic interests and the Key Gaelic Communities identified by the Short Life Working Group. The Scottish Government is working closely with Building Digital UK as it prepares to launch the first Scottish Project Gigabit procurements. A consultation will be held on requiring developers to deploy and optimise digital connectivity in all new housing developments. Residents of the Report’s Key Gaelic Communities will be encouraged to engage with this consultation and the views of Gaelic stakeholders sought out.