THE Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has welcomed the additional £20million announced for affordable housing this afternoon (Wednesday 27th June) by the Scottish Government.
As part of a £100million autumn capital spending boost, Finance Secretary, John Swinney, announced that £15million of existing budgets would be accelerated, and £20million extra would be spent on building new affordable homes by housing associations and councils.
Maureen Watson, policy director at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said:
“The SFHA welcomes this surprise announcement by the Scottish Government to boost spending on new affordable homes by £20million this year. Our members across the country have shovel-ready housing projects which could go ahead given the right funding.
“Having seen large cuts to the budget for new-build social rented homes in recent years, the SFHA has argued long and hard that directing spending at this area is vital for meeting the serious need for more homes (1), and for boosting employment.
“We’re therefore pleased the Scottish Government has recognised this need and delivered an unexpected and welcome boost to housing associations and co-operatives.”
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For further information, contact Claire Munro on t: 0141 567 6244 m: 07771926778 or e: cmunro@sfha.co.uk
Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk
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NOTES:
1) There is a serious shortage of quality affordable housing across Scotland, with approximately 335,000 households on waiting lists. Statistics supplied to SFHA by the Scottish Housing Regulator (5 July 2011) based on data in the 2009-10 Annual Performance and Statistical Return.
2) The SFHA was established in 1975 and has around 170 members providing affordable housing and wider community services in Scotland, as well as a further 200 commercial members. The SFHA is owned by its membership and exists to support the work of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland by providing services, advice and good practice guidance.
3) The SFHA is the voice of the principal builders and managers of new affordable housing for rent in Scotland. Housing Associations own and manage around 40 per cent of the country’s affordable rented housing stock, over a quarter of a million homes across Scotland.
4) Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
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Contact: Kirsten Walker
Phone: 0141 567 6221
Email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk
Website: http://www.sfha.co.uk/
