Keith Anderson: Affordable housing is worth investing in

THE near £100 million pledged by John Swinney in the Scottish Government’s budget to be spent on affordable housing is, of course, to be welcomed.

This boost to the affordable housing funding pot is much needed.

This is a significant sum spread across different yet complementary areas which will help to, in some way, ease the burden we in Scotland presently face.

The demand for affordable housing is at its highest for a generation and, at present, there simply isn’t the funding to build the level of supply required, with demand boosted by high deposits for first-time buyers and a lack of affordable housing coming to market privately.

However, Mr Swinney’s announcement, although offering a sizeable boost, must be kept firmly in perspective in relation to the mounting waiting lists that social housing providers now face.

Due to budget constraints, housing associations are now being innovative in terms of sourcing funding and how we can, in effect, supply more with less. This is no easy task and what everyone, from the Scottish Government, to local authorities, to housing associations to the public, wants is for people to have the opportunity to live in safe, secure and welcoming housing in strong communities.

It is imperative the impact that good social housing has on society overall is not underestimated. Providing real homes that people are proud to live in and developing strong communities have vast knock-on benefits in relation to other vital areas of public policy concern such as health, social care and policing.

We are undoubtedly facing constrained times but this latest announcement shows the Scottish Government recognises the vital role affordable housing has as an investment for the short, medium and long-term success of our country.

• Keith Anderson is the chief executive of the Port of Leith Housing Association.