Tackling the housing emergency.
The Scottish Government is taking significant steps to address the housing emergency, with plans in the draft Budget for next year to increase funding for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. This could see the budget for delivering affordable homes rise to £768 million in 2025-26, an increase of more than £200 million compared to this year’s budget.
Other measures in the Scottish Government’s draft Budget aimed at tackling the housing emergency include:
- £4 million to support local authorities and frontline services to prevent homelessness
- £2 million to transform empty properties into safe, warm, affordable homes
In addition, £1 million for registered social landlords and third sector partners will be available this year to fund work to help sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness.
Investing in safe, warm, and affordable homes is key to our top priority to tackle child poverty.
HOUSING MINISTER PAUL MCLENNAN
We already have a strong track record in affordable housing, having supported the delivery of 133,000 affordable homes since 2007. That’s 45% more per head of the population than in England and 70% more than in Wales.
By increasing the affordable housing supply budget in 2025-26 by more than £200 million, housing providers will be able to deliver at least 8,000 properties for social and mid-market rent and low-cost home ownership.
Eradicating child poverty is our top priority.
— Scot Gov Fairer (@ScotGovFairer) December 7, 2024
This budget will invest in social security, help parents with the cost of living, and support access to affordable homes.
Our plans to mitigate the two-child benefit cap could lift around 15,000 children out of poverty from 2026. pic.twitter.com/bmYn3dIBk8
Addressing the housing needs of our communities is one of the Scottish Government’s key priorities.
GRAEME
This increased funding is part of our broader commitment to tackling child poverty and ensuring more affordable homes are available. The £200 million increase in next year’s budget will have a significant impact, allowing housing providers to deliver thousands of new homes and improve housing services across the country
