Tenant participation newsletter: making a difference

Affordable Housing Building Programme

Good homes grow our communities, strengthen families and connect people and place. The Scottish Government believes everyone in Scotland has a right, not only to a roof over their
head, but to a place to call home.

Since 2007 we have delivered more than 80,000 affordable homes, including over 54,500 homes for social rent, significantly increasing the supply of high-quality, energy efficient, affordable housing for the people of Scotland.

We know that access to these homes is vital to economic growth, support and create jobs, strengthen communities and tackle inequalities. That is why over this Parliament we have committed to the single biggest investment in, and delivery of, affordable housing since devolution – we are investing over £3 billion to deliver at least 50,000 affordable homes, 35,000 of which will be for social rent.

In the year to September 2018 our affordable homes completions rose by 21% to over 8,500 homes, and affordable housing approvals have increased by 9% to over 11,500 homes – the third consecutive annual increase. By continuing our close working with local authorities, registered social landlords, and other partners we remain on track to meet our ambitious 50,000 affordable homes’ target.

But we must also look to the future and in this year’s Programme for Government we committed to beginning work on a vision for how our homes and communities should look and feel in 2040, and the options and choices to get there. Between September and November 2018 we engaged with tenants, local government, businesses, the third sector, and housing associations to gather initial views. There will be a second round of engagement later this year and we encourage tenants to continue to provide their thoughts and ideas then. More information can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/housing-beyond-2021/.

Ultimately, our ongoing goal is to deliver more of the right homes in the right places to meet the housing needs and aspirations of the people of Scotland. We want this to be a lasting legacy that is not just about new homes but is also about making the best use of our existing buildings too. We look forward to working further with tenants on this important agenda.

For more information please contact Gareth.Lewis@gov.scot

Anderston Phase 5, Glasgow, Sanctuary Housing Scotland

Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Melville Housing Association