Reducing the use of temporary accommodation: actions we are taking to achieve this

Affordable housing supply

We will maintain momentum delivering the Affordable Housing Supply Programme

The Temporary Accommodation Task and Finish Group suggested a five year interim target of 38,500 social homes to be delivered by 2026. The group selected this figure as it is half of the 70% social rent target of the overall 110,000 affordable homes commitment.

The Scottish Government remains resolutely committed to its housing ambitions and we will continue to work with our partners to make progress against our commitment to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be available for social rent and 10% will be in our remote, rural and island communities.

We have considered the rationale for the Temporary Accommodation Task and Finish Group’s identification of an interim target for social homes. However, building sector capacity takes time, with the annual rate of delivery increasing over the delivery period. As delivery can be affected by external pressures and market conditions, it needs long-term strategic focus rather than short-term operational targets.

A long-term Affordable Housing Supply Programme target to 2032 was set to break away from the five year parliamentary cycle. We intend to carry out a review at the mid-point of delivery against this long-term target to assess if current plans should continue or be adapted in response to changing circumstances. This will be important to support local authorities with planning for housing through their Local Housing Strategies.