Alison Watson

Signed by more than 30 advocacy, support and housing organisations, the letter urges Forbes to “use the Scottish Budget as the opportunity to commit to reducing housing need by making social and affordable homes the cornerstone of Scotland’s recovery – rebuilding Scotland’s economy, invigorating our communities, creating more jobs, helping meet climate and child poverty targets, and building a brighter future.”

Commenting ahead of the Budget statement, Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson said: “In today’s Budget, we’re looking for a clear statement of intent from the Scottish Government. There’s a growing consensus that social and affordable housebuilding needs to be at the heart of Scotland’s recovery.

“Today, Kate Forbes has the opportunity to make a down-payment on an ambitious new programme of social housebuilding. The Scottish Government must commit to sending housing need into decline by the end of the next parliament, by building at least 37,100 social homes.”

Ms Watson added: “Today’s Budget must also offer support to thousands of Scots struggling to manage their housing costs because of the pandemic. The Cabinet Secretary should commit to keeping the Discretionary Housing Payment pot topped up to meet need, and offer additional help to those facing mounting rent arrears.”