Hope on housing

The Scottish Government's announcement that a record number of affordable homes was built in the past year (your report, 27 August) is welcome news. This came as the building of the first new council housing for a generation began in Edinburgh.

However, we must remain cautious about the state of the sector. Last week's housing survey revealed that the social rented sector fell by 10 per cent between 1999 and 2009. Demand far outstrips supply and it would reportedly take more than 17 years to clear the current list.

An average of 138 households applied for each vacancy over the past year from council and housing association homes in the city.

As the public sector makes cuts and we feel the effects of the recession, the need for affordable housing for people in need, and from a wider range of household income groups than ever before, will only continue to grow.

Affordable housing provides the basic secure requirement for many people who cannot buy or rent privately. It matters because it prevents and reduces the demand for spending in health, education, policing and welfare and has a very direct impact on boosting the construction industry and providing good jobs, so strengthening the economy.

Earlier this year, the government launched a discussion document "Housing: Fresh Thinking, New Ideas" which is a positive step towards identifying ways to meet the shortages. We must remain committed to ensuring people have the opportunity to live in safe and secure homes in areas in which they want to live.

Keith Anderson

Port of Leith Housing Association

Constitution Street

Edinburgh