Scotland’s ‘housing gap’ approaching 100,000 homes

Homes for Scotland has reported that Scotland is suffering from a cumulative shortfall approaching 100,000 homes since the credit crunch.

Figures for just one year show Scotland’s housing shortfall cost: £52 million in missed local infrastructure investment; more than 8,000 missed new job opportunities; additional economic output of £300 million; and missed massive social benefits including improved access to fit-for-purpose, energy-efficient homes.

Homes for Scotland is calling for an all-tenure target of at least 25,000 homes per year to be set to meet current levels of need and demand.

Meeting the 25,000 target would likely result in: improved access to fit-for-purpose, energy-efficient accommodation for thousands of additional households; improved health and education outcomes and enhance quality of living; a potential 8000 additional new jobs; and increased economic output of £300 million.

The report’s authors state that local authorities and government should look beyond the bricks and mortar of home building and recognise the huge additional social and economic potential this unlocks at a regional and national level.

Nicola Barclay, chief executive of HFS, said: “What I hope the report clearly illustrates is that housing cannot be viewed in isolation. The hugely positive impact that having a decent home has on people’s daily lives and the environment in which we live cannot be understated. This is reflected in the report’s case studies which highlight the importance of warmth, space and security – regardless of individual circumstance.

“Scotland already derives so much benefit from home building but there is still so much more potential to maximise. Now is the time for us all to support the delivery of more homes and commit to an all-tenure target of 25,000 homes per year.”