3 Apr 2020
The Scottish government has confirmed that it will miss its targets on affordable homes, fuel poverty and energy efficiency measures.
The Scottish Conservatives have stated that, even without the impact of Covid19, the SNP government was on course to miss its affordable homes target of 50,000 houses by May 2021.
In a Scottish parliamentary written answer Kevin Stewart, Minister for housing stated that due to the ‘effective lock down’ it is necessary to have a ‘pause in the delivery of affordable homes.’
However, the latest figures show that between April 2016 and December 2019 31,000 homes had been completed. In addition, at present 9,000 new homes are being completed in Scotland per year.
These figures suggest that even with a final surge the SNP were on course to miss their own target by at least 4,000 homes.
Graham Simpson, Scottish Conservative shadow housing and communities secretary said:
“This is understandably frustrating, particularly for those waiting for a home.
“The fight against Covid19 is affecting every part of Scottish life and it is right that we put people first and do everything possible to stop the spread of this virus.
“However, the SNP was already on course to miss the affordable homes target by some margin.
“Missing these important targets is extremely disappointing and will obviously hit the most vulnerable hardest.”
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