BUILDING affordable housing should be the “the cornerstone of Scotland’s recovery”, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has been told ahead of Thursday’s Budget.
A joint letter from 32 housing organisations, charities and support groups has urged Forbes to prioritise affordable homes and social housing when she announces the Scottish Government’s Budget plans for the coming financial year.
The letter argues that at least 53,000 new affordable homes, including at least 37,100 for social rent, are needed by 2026.
In the letter to Forbes, the housing representatives said: “The Scottish Government has shown leadership, having committed to build a record number of social homes over the current parliament, but the need for affordable and social housing continues to rise.
“We urge you to use the Scottish Budget as the opportunity to commit to reducing housing need by making social and affordable homes the cornerstone of Scotland’s recovery – rebuilding Scotland’s economy, invigorating our communities, creating more jobs, helping meet climate and child poverty targets, and building a brighter future.”
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