Government slammed for worst ever housing start.

Ministers are facing criticism following the release of new figures showcasing a significant decline in the number of new homes being constructed after record-breaking homelessness statistics were revealed yesterday.

According to official statistics, there was a 17% decrease in all sector housebuilding starts and completions between 2023 and 2024, with only 19,293 homes built and 15,296 new builds initiated in the twelve months leading up to June 2024.

The private sector accounted for 14,240 homes built, while the social sector built 5,053 homes. In terms of starts, the private sector commenced work on 11,795 homes, and the social sector started on 3,501 homes. Excluding the impact of Covid-19 in 2020, completions were at their lowest since June 2018, and starts were at their lowest since June 2013 in both sectors.

Within the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, there were 6,966 approvals, 6,422 starts, and 9,295 completions of affordable homes by the end of June 2024. However, the number of completions and starts decreased by 14% and 10%, respectively, compared to the previous year, while approvals saw a 15% increase.

Homes for Scotland, a sector body, highlighted that these figures indicate a growing housing emergency in Scotland, calling for urgent action from the government to address the continuous decline in housing supply across the country.

Chief Executive Jane Wood voiced concerns about the escalating housing crisis, emphasising the urgent need for policy certainty and practical solutions to reverse the downward trend in home building. The organisation is working closely with the government to find solutions to improve the housing situation in Scotland.

The dire housing statistics come in conjunction with the revelation that the number of open homelessness cases has reached a record high of 31,870, with over 10,000 children living in temporary accommodation such as hotels and B&Bs.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) expressed dismay over the repeated cuts to the affordable housing budget, hampering the ability of housing associations to provide safe and affordable homes for all citizens.

In response to these challenges, the Scottish Conservative shadow housing secretary, Miles Briggs, criticised the government for slashing the housing budget by nearly £200 million, resulting in a decline in home construction across all sectors. He called on SNP ministers to reverse these cuts, drop plans for rent controls, and provide councils with fair funding to address the housing demand in Scotland.

These statistics play a crucial role in tracking progress against the Scottish Government’s target of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with a focus on social rent and rural communities. By June 2024, 22,743 affordable homes have been completed, including homes for social rent, affordable rent, and affordable home ownership.

Housing Minister Paul Mclennan defended the government’s commitment to affordable housing, highlighting a total investment of almost £600 million in affordable homes for the current year.