Housing Associations Undermined by Policy Change

Jim Harvey, Director of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) has criticised Government Housing policy describing it as short-term, unsustainable and a threat to the future of many housing associations.

Harvey explained that the Innovation and Investment Fund would make it all but impossible for housing associations to build the kind of houses their communities need, also stating that a large number of their members have expressed dismay about the Scottish Government's decision to press ahead with the plans.

In a GWSF briefing paper Harvey has named 9 West of Scotland housing developments which he believes would simply no longer exist under the planned arrangements.

Mr Harvey explained: “housing associations have remained financially resilient over many years – the new arrangements undermine this long-lasting resilience as never before."

“The housing budget has already taken a bigger cut than other areas of Government spending. The Innovation and Investment Fund will make it almost impossible for housing associations to build the kind of houses their communities need."

“It undermines the financial resilience of housing associations and puts even more financial pressure on construction firms that are already struggling for survival.”

Source: Herald

Tags: Housing, Policy, Scottish Government