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Scottish government to pump extra £16m into affordable housing programme
The Scottish government will put £843m into its Affordable Housing Supply Programme in 2020/21, a £16m increase on the amount allocated last year.
Announced today as part of the government’s draft Budget, the funding is part of a £3bn pledge to build 50,000 affordable homes in the five years up to 2021.
The government also announced a £120m Heat Transition Deal to assist with the decarbonisation of homes and other buildings. Included in this is a £50m Heat Networks Early Adopter Challenge Fund for local authorities.
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Today’s Budget provided little clarity about the Scottish government’s post-2021 housing plans, despite the sector’s demands for more certainty.
At the Scottish National Party (SNP) conference in Aberdeen last year, housing minister Kevin Stewart said his government would not announce its post-2021 plans until the UK government delivers its Budget, which is set to happen on 11 March.
Delivering the Scottish government’s Budget at Holyrood today, public finance minister Kate Forbes said: “This is a Budget that has well-being and fairness at its very heart.
“It is progressive and it will provide extra help to those who need it most, tackling inequalities and poverty, especially child poverty.
“Our well-being approach to the budget prioritises actions that have the greatest impact on improving lives across Scotland now and creating the conditions that are required to ensure well-being for future generations.”
The Budget also included details of an increase to the Scottish Welfare Fund, with spending on this area being increased to £35.5m.
Almost £60m will be given to local authorities to help mitigate the effects of the bedroom tax, with additional funding of £11m for discretionary housing payments to help those affected by Local Housing Allowance rates and the benefits cap.
Sally Thomas, chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said the organisation was disappointed with the Budget overall, as it missed key opportunities to increase funding for measures that would make a real difference to people’s lives.
She said: “The small increase in energy efficiency funding is only a fraction of what is needed – as part of the Existing Homes Alliance, we had called for it to be doubled.
“However, we welcome the increased funding to tackle poverty through the Scottish Welfare Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments. This funding will help people to sustain their tenancies and continue to mitigate the bedroom tax.”
Inside Housing Development Summit 2020
Inside Housing is pleased to join forces with Homes England and the LGA to introduce the Inside Housing Development Summit.
Taking place on 27-28 April 2020, the summit will gather together local authorities, housing associations, developers, fund managers and advisors for a Chatham House style event focussed on making new connections and exploring new delivery models.
The summit will take place over 28 hours, starting with an afternoon plenary on 27 April, an exclusive development site study tour to Northstowe, England's largest new town since Milton Keynes, followed by a business dinner.
The second day will provide opportunities to network with a range of senior Homes England and LGA staff including Nick Walkley, chief executive of Homes England and Mark Lloyd, chief executive of LGA.
You’ll also meet with leaders from across the development ecosystem and take part in group discussions to help you connect and explore new opportunities. All accommodation and meals will be provided within the fee.
Places for each stakeholder group are limited to ensure a balanced mix of participants and to make sure you leave with the relationships and leads you need.
Click here to book your place or for more information
