Places for People response to the Scottish Government's Budget

On Wednesday 4 December the SNP’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison delivered the Scottish Government’s Budget. 
 
Responding to the announcements made, Places for People’s chief executive Greg Reed said:

“Today’s £768m investment in affordable housing turns a new page for Scotland, where a worsening crisis sees every twentieth person awaiting a social home and where 10,000 children are stuck in temporary accommodation.
 
“The Finance Secretary’s injection into the Affordable Housing Supply Programme – reversing the devastating 2023 cuts to the budget – will pave the road to recovery for housing in Scotland and urgently kick-start the supply of 8,000 vital new affordable homes.
 
“But while this funding is welcome, this is just the start. A long-term and strategic approach is the only way to truly end Scotland’s housing emergency, reduce homelessness and eradicate child poverty. We welcome the Finance Secretary’s pledge to look at all the levers available to her to achieve this.
 
“The SNP’s recent £1m investment in homelessness prevention, alongside a winter fuel allowance for pensioners, will provide a vital shot in the arm to Communities – but a focus on existing homes is also urgently needed. A current shortfall of £20m is preventing suitable adaptations to many homes – such as stairlifts and ramps – meaning too few properties meet Customers’ needs.
 
“At Places for People Scotland we work tirelessly to create, support and manage thriving Communities. Last year we built 430 homes, supported over 3,200 people with financial and digital inclusion, and helped 300 individuals who were homeless or at risk of being so. But with more support we can go further and faster.
 
“Housing in Scotland had taken two steps back but today makes a giant stride forward. This Government grasps the enormity of the challenge and we stand ready to work together to ensure everyone has a safe, suitable and quality home.”