CIH Scotland response to the draft Scottish Budget

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland has responded  the publication of the Scottish Budget  for 2021/22. 

We note that the money announced for the next affordable housing supply programme provides the basis to build the 53,000 affordable homes Scotland needs between 2021 to 2026, but this will require additional investment across the next Parliament. 

Callum Chomczuk, national director of CIH Scotland, said:  

“The funding announced yesterday for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme is a start. But with the costs of construction rising and social landlords expected to meet new higher building standards, this needs to be seen as the down payment on a more ambitious funding programme for social and affordable homes over the next five years.

“This means that, when the upcoming Housing to 2040 strategy is published in March, there is a clear commitment to building 53,000 affordable homes, including 37,100 homes for social rent.

“By setting out an ambitious programme of affordable house building, and matching it with an uprating of grant rates in the promised review, we can put social justice at the heart of our response to the pandemic and ensure everyone has access to a safe, warm, affordable home.”