Scotland has an opportunity to ‘thrive and grow’

With significantly more homes required to meet the needs and aspirations of Scotland’s growing population, the home building industry north of the border is calling for the same funding priority for housing to be given in Scotland as was set out by the chancellor for England this week.

The Scottish government’s capital budget is set to increase by more than £800m through to 2020-21 as a result of the Autumn Statement, and the trade body Homes for Scotland wants to see the Scottish government use the funds to boost housebuilding levels.

“The focus on housing by the chancellor not only recognises the importance of this but also generates a significant budget boost for the Scottish government which we must see similarly prioritised towards home building, if this country is to thrive and grow,” said Nicola Barclay, chief executive of Homes for Scotland.

Among the details outlined by the chancellor for England was a £2.3bn Housing Infrastructure Fund which will be used for projects such as roads and water connections that will support the construction of up to 100,000 new homes.

In addition, £1.4bn will provide 40,000 new affordable homes, including some for shared ownership and some for affordable rent. Another £1.7bn will be used to speed up the construction of new homes on public sector land.

Barclay added: “No other single industry has the potential to positively impact so many different policy areas. Whether it’s jobs, skills, health or education, building homes makes a hugely positive difference to the lives of all those living in Scotland.

“We therefore urge the Scottish government to make the most of this additional money and attract further private sector investment by allocating it to a national all-tenure home building programme.”