Housing strategy can help tackle depopulation in Highlands and Islands, says Maree Todd
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North MSP Maree Todd is confident that the SNP’s 20-year housing strategy can help reduce depopulation in the Highlands and Islands.
She pointed out that the recently published strategy includes a pledge to build more affordable homes and support housing developments in rural areas.
Ms Todd is the SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election and sitting MSP for the Highlands and Islands region.
“A huge challenge facing Caithness, Sutherland and Ross is the rising rate of depopulation," she said. "While I recognise the cause of this is complex, we know that affordable housing is a major contributing factor.
“Since 2007, the SNP has delivered 14,110 new homes to the Highlands, including 3574 social and 2500 affordable homes. But despite this, we need more housing.
“The SNP’s 20-year housing strategy includes a pledge to build more affordable homes and support housing developments in our rural Highland communities.
“The plan also looks to establish a new fund to help local authorities bring empty properties back into residential use. We know this, plus a rise in second-home owners, affects many rural communities and the services within them.”
Other priorities included in the SNP’s strategy include:
- Delivering 100,000 more affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70 per cent of these being for social rent. This target would support about £16 billion in total investment and up to 14,000 jobs a year
- Setting a single set of standards for housing quality and accessibility, no matter whether a home is owned or rented
- Tackling high rents in the private sector and supporting fair, accessible private and social rental sectors through a Rented Sector Strategy and Housing Bill
- Decarbonising heating in all homes in line with Scotland’s climate ambitions, ensuring this is done in a fair and just way, including by adapting and retrofitting existing homes
- Aiming for all new homes delivered by registered social landlords and local authorities to be zero emissions by 2026
- Continuing with the plan to end homelessness and rough sleeping
- Undertaking a comprehensive audit of current housing and homelessness legislation to understand how best to realise the right to adequate housing
Ms Todd added: “This strategy, which will be brought forward subject to the outcome of the election, recognises the issues facing communities like those in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross. Not only does it look to build more affordable homes and tackle empty homes and poor housing but it also seeks to increase energy efficiency and eradicate fuel poverty.
“There is no quick fix to the issues facing our rural and remote communities, but this long-term strategy will enable change and allow our communities to thrive.
“The SNP is committed to building an equal and fairer Scotland, where everyone has the right to a home. By giving both your votes to the SNP on May 6, our housing strategy can be brought forward and we can deliver better housing for all.”
Scotland's communities secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Homes are not simply bricks and mortar. They support people’s health, wellbeing and life chances, can help to tackle poverty and climate change, and are a major investment in the economy. Housing policy is essential in helping us achieve our ambitions for a fairer, more equal Scotland.
“After a year when we have all seen the value of having a warm, safe place to live, this new long-term strategy will ensure every person in Scotland has a home that meets their needs.”
Sally Thomas, chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said: “This is an ambitious 20-year housing strategy, and there is much to commend. It is SFHA’s ambition that everyone in Scotland has a safe, warm, energy-efficient, affordable home, now and in the future, and the Scottish Government’s strategy could help to realise this.
“We look forward to seeing further detail of the strategy’s proposals and to working with the next government to support our members to deliver great quality homes that meets people’s needs and aspirations in the decades ahead.”
