Ensuring everyone has a home that meets their needs.
Increasing and accelerating housing supply, tackling homelessness, ending rough sleeping and progressing Scotland’s 20-year housing plan are key priorities for Housing Minister Paul McLennan.
On his first public visit as Housing Minister, Mr McLennan visited the Letham Mains housing development in Haddington and saw first-hand how Scottish Government funding is supporting local councils and housing associations to deliver energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of communities across Scotland.
– Mr McLennan
My aim is for everyone to have a warm, safe, affordable home that meets their needs and these 37 new social rented homes in Haddington by East Lothian Council, supported by £2.2 million of Scottish Government funding, will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the new residents.
Housing to 2040 sets out the vision for what we want Scotland’s homes and communities to look like. That includes ensuring people have access to green space and essential services, and putting an end to fuel poverty and homelessness.
Scotland has led the way in delivering affordable housing across the UK, with more than 118,000 homes delivered since 2007 and we are committed to delivering on our target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be available for social rent and 10% will be in our remote, rural and island communities.
I am well aware of the global issues affecting construction which are impacting housing delivery. I am confident, however, that with the continued support of our partners we can achieve our shared goal of delivering more affordable homes for the people of Scotland.
Scotland has the strongest rights for homeless households in the UK and we are looking to strengthen these further – taking steps to reduce stays in temporary accommodation, eradicate rough sleeping and prevent homelessness from happening in the first place.
We are also taking steps to make the right to an adequate home a reality, tackle high rents and increase stability for those in the private rented sector and give local authorities the tools they need to improve access to housing in their local areas.
I look forward to working with all partners in the coming months as we redouble our efforts to support a robust and strong housing system for now and the future.
– Graeme
I welcome the developments in the objectives of providing homes that are warm, secure, and affordable while catering to the needs of individuals.
In Housing to 2040, Scotland’s housing and communities are envisioned holistically, including provisions for green space access, essential services, and the elimination of fuel poverty and homelessness. Further, it pledges to reduce stays in temporary accommodation and prevent homelessness in order to strengthen the rights of homeless households.
I am pleased to see that providing the right to adequate housing by tackling high rents, increasing stability in the private rented sector, and providing local authorities with the necessary tools to improve access to housing is put at the forefront.
Background
Housing to 2040 is Scotland’s long-term strategy for housing. It was developed following extensive engagement with the housing sector, wider stakeholders and the public, and sets out a vision for what we want Scotland’s homes and communities to look like by the end of 2040.
