THERE is a high level of risk that targets to build 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 will be missed, according to a Scottish Government document.
The risk register report, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Scottish Labour, notes there has been a slowing pace of approvals for new houses.
The document, which was produced in February, also says there has been an increase in tender prices which could hinder reaching the 2032 target.
This commitment to build 110,000 affordable homes was made in the 2021 Programme for Government, the first legislative agenda of the SNP-Green Government.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis hits back at Oliver Dowden comments at PMQs
In the risk register report, the problems with approvals and tender prices are given a “red” risk rating of 100 – meaning the risks are very high and mitigating action is needed.
The risk of insufficient levels of capital funding is given an “orange” rating of 75.
Scottish Labour housing spokesperson Mark Griffin said all 16 identified risks were higher than their targets.
He said: “Scotland is in the grips of a growing housing crisis, but our affordable housing programme is in chaos.
READ MORE: BBC Scotland issues third correction over reporting in a month
“It’s clear Shona Robison ignored a string of warnings and left a trail of destruction in her wake.
“Problems are spiralling out of control, casting doubt on key SNP election pledges to build more affordable homes. The stakes are far too high for this scheme to join the SNP’s long list of broken promises and abandoned plans.”
In March, it emerged that the number of affordable homes approved in 2022 was at the lowest level since 2013.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It is incorrect to claim the Scottish Government’s affordable housing budget has been cut by almost £200m.
“The Affordable Housing Supply Budget for 2023-24 is £752 million. In addition £17.6 million has been provided in financial transactions, along with £15 million from the Heat in Buildings Fund as well as Charitable Bond Programme donations directed towards investment in social rented homes.
“Across the 15 years between 2007/08 and 2021/22, the annual average supply of affordable housing per head of population in Scotland has been 13.9 homes per 10,000 population, higher than England (9.7 homes per 10,000 population) and Wales (8.0 homes per 10,000 population).
“We remain committed to making £3.5 billion available for affordable housing over the current parliamentary session as part of our ambitious plans to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. The number of affordable homes completed in Scotland in the year to end March 2023 is the highest annual figure since 2000.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel