RE-ELECTED SNP GOVERNMENT WILL FUND 5,000 NEW COUNCIL HOMES

For immediate use: Wednesday 23rd December 2011-02-23

Attn: NEWDESKS

POLITICAL / HOUSING CORRESPONDENTS

COUNCIL HOUSING HITS NEW HIGH WITH SNP

Responding to the latest housing statistics which show record levels of council house construction and the beginnings of recovery in private housing construction the SNP highlighted the party’s commitment that a re-elected SNP Government will fund 5,000 council homes in the next Parliament.

With today’s housing statistics showing the highest level of council house building for 20 years with over 1000 constructed in the last year SNP MSP Bob Doris  said:

“The SNP has re-instated council house building and is committed to funding a further 5,000 council homes over the next four years.

“Over the last four years a record 17,000 affordable houses have been constructed across Scotland.  That is more than in any term of Parliament and while there are challenges ahead the SNP is determined to continue our support for affordable housing in Scotland.

“Our housing policies have paid off with more homes built over the last four years, more people securing tenancies as a result of reform to the right to buy and we have guaranteed there will be no change to the secure tenancies being threatened by England, extended help for first time buyers through shared equity schemes and supported the empty homes initiative to bring empty homes back into use.”

Commenting on the figures which show a 22% increase the number of private properties completed in the last quarter compared to 2009 Mr Doris added:

“This is a welcome sign for Scotland’s economy.  During the recession the Scottish Government brought forward housing investment to fill the gap left by a collapse in private construction.  It is good to see the private sector picking up and with the support in this month’s budget for Scotland to encourage housing development these figures show the SNP Government is working for Scotland.”

The SNP unveiled key commitments on housing earlier this month including;

•     A pledge to fund 5000 Council Houses over the next four years

•     Powers for councils to increase council tax on empty properties to fund

new house building

•     Maintaining existing secured tenancies at affordable rents - the UK

Government is diluting secured tenancies in England.

•     Help for first time buyers by funding New Supply Shared Equity schemes

and the Open Market Shared Equity Programme

•     Housing health checks to ensure those in social rented accommodation are

able to work out the best housing option for them

•     Extended support for the Shelter Scotland Empty Homes scheme to identify

empty homes and bring them back into use.