Housing group calls on First Minister to restore budgetcuts
Dear readers of the Net Zero Club News Network, today we bring you an urgent appeal from the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) to First Minister John Swinney. The GWSF is calling for the restoration of the £200 million that was cut from this year’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme.
In a letter addressed to the First Minister, the GWSF highlights the importance of not only reinstating the slashed budget but also exploring all possible avenues to increase the programme further. The letter underscores the enthusiasm of GWSF members to continue supporting new build and acquisitions projects by showcasing ten exceptional developments completed in the Forum’s region.
According to the GWSF, there has been a noticeable decline in new approvals since the peak of the programme between 2018 and 2020. The letter emphasises that councils are more than willing to utilise a larger budget, as evidenced by the backlog of projects put on hold following the 26% reduction announced in December 2023.
Cromdale Square by Linthouse Housing Association has also been highlighted by GWSF
GWSF chair John Hamilton expressed, “Restoring the cut is the bare minimum required if the First Minister is serious about lifting people out of poverty and approaching the target of 110,000 homes. At the current approval rates, we are unlikely to achieve more than 50-60% of that target by 2032.”
Hamilton added, “The unexpected budget cut for this year caught many councils off guard, leading to a situation where most had already allocated their funds and are unable to approve new projects. Our members have ready projects that are now at a standstill.”
Highlighting the exemplary projects in their letter, Hamilton stressed, “The showcased developments demonstrate to the First Minister that our members are prepared to assist in restoring the programme to a level that aligns with the increasingly ambitious targets set.”
It is crucial for policymakers to heed the call from the GWSF and take decisive action to ensure that affordable housing projects continue to progress without hindrance. The future of many families depends on it, and with the right support, the ambitious targets can be achieved.
