Fewer affordable homes in Scotland

There was a sharp fall in the number of affordable homes in Scotland signed off for construction last year, according to Scottish government data.

Official figures reveal that the total volume of affordable homes approved for development in 2011/12 decreased by a highly concerning 28% from the 6,648 affordable homes approved in 2010/11.

The statistics show that 30% of all approved affordable homes in Scotland are located in Edinburgh. Of the 4,767 planning permissions for affordable properties granted by Scotland's 32 local authorities in 2011, 1,420 were in the Scottish capital.

The greatest decline in affordable housing approvals was recorded in Glasgow, where there was a 63% year-on-year fall from the 1,698 affordable homes approved in 2010/11.

While the majority of new affordable across much of Scotland will be entirely publicly funded, Edinburgh has vowed to develop half of its new homes without the need of public subsidy.

Councillor Cammy Day, Edinburgh's housing leader, commented: "These figures show that Edinburgh has become one of the UK's leading local authorities in delivering badly-needed new affordable homes.

"Our planning and investment policies, linked to a positive and co-operative relationship between the Council and developers, builders and housing associations has resulted in this record number of approvals.

"This partnership work is ensuring the Capital Coalition is delivering on our commitment to ensure that the city's residents are well-housed and have good quality affordable homes to live in."

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, commented: "These new figures show that affordable housing is starting to feel the harsh winds of recession.

"The pattern of planning consents now shows a big reduction in affordable homes. Without more investment, this is not good news for homeless families looking for homes or construction workers looking for jobs."