The SNP-Green government’s “shocking neglect” of delivering the homes required in Scotland’s rural communities is fully exposed today.
A written response by SNP housing minister Paul McLennan to shadow housing secretary Miles Briggs reveals that no homes have been secured through the Rural Affordable Homes for Key Workers Fund, seven months on from it being announced by Humza Yousaf in his First Minister policy prospectus.
The fund – which the SNP-Green government committed £25 million to – was designed to help local authorities identify affordable homes for workers employed in sectors key to the rural economy.
Miles Briggs says this is a typical example of ministers “overpromising and underdelivering” and that it shows meeting the demand for homes in rural Scotland is “simply not a priority” for the “Central Belt-obsessed” SNP-Green government.
He urged Paul McLennan to fully engage with local councils and “urgently” ensure homes are identified to attract people to live and work in rural Scotland.
Scottish Conservative shadow housing secretary Miles Briggs MSP said: “The fact that no homes have been identified through this fund – seven months after Humza Yousaf launched it to much fanfare – is a typical example of the SNP-Green government overpromising and underdelivering.
“They have completely neglected the housing needs of rural Scotland, and this fund looks to be the latest shocking example.”
“After announcing £25million-worth of funding, the SNP housing minister has clearly been asleep at the wheel. The failure to identify these homes in our rural areas means key sectors are missing out on having the workers they need, which in turn is deeply damaging for our economy.
“The Central Belt-obsessed SNP-Green government are out of touch with rural Scotland. They repeatedly fail to back up their warm words with the required resources. These communities are simply not a priority for them.
“Housing minister Paul McLennan must step up and engage with local authorities and urgently ensure this fund starts attracting people to live and work in rural Scotland.”
Notes
The answer from Paul McLennan to Miles Briggs can be seen here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-22792
The Scottish Government announced the £25 million fund in April 2023: https://www.gov.scot/news/affordable-housing-initiative-for-key-workers/#:~:text=Help%20to%20provide%20more%20homes,key%20workers%20in%20rural%20communities