Fiona Hyslop MSP has welcomed a commitment by the SNP to deliver 100,000 affordable homes in Scotland by 2032, if the party is re-elected in May.
The Housing to 2040 plan will create 14,000 jobs and invest £16 billion in housing infrastructure across Scotland, including in West Lothian.
Key plans from the scheme include:
- delivering 100,000 more affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70% of these being for social rent
- setting a single set of standards for housing quality and accessibility
- establishing a new fund to help local authorities bring empty homes back into residential use
- ending homelessness and rough sleeping once and for all
- decarbonising heating in all homes in line with Scotland’s climate ambitions
Fiona commented,
“This is a big announcement from the SNP Government. Committing to deliver 100,000 affordable homes in Scotland, if re-elected, could generate £16 billion of investment and create 14,000 jobs. It is an ambitious commitment which clearly shows the SNPs dedication to delivering for families and communities across Scotland, including West Lothian.
“It is now more important than ever to have affordable housing available to the people of Scotland, not only to help families recover from the financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but to also provide vital job opportunities for those who are unemployed.
“The SNP government has already delivered almost 100,000 affordable homes since 2007. This is in stark contrast to the feeble record of the last Labour-Lib Dem administration in Scotland, who famously built only six new council homes in their last four years in office.
“The upcoming 2021 election gives voters the chance to decide who should be in charge of Scotland’s COVID recovery – a Scottish Government with the interests of people here at heart, or a Tory government that we didn’t vote for, led by the likes of Boris Johnson.
“Only voting for the SNP will enable Scotland to rebuild a fairer, more equal Scotland and continue delivering for communities in West Lothian and across the country.”
ENDS