Support For 30,000 Affordable Homes Is Needed Now
By News Scotland

Shelter Scotland has launched its new ‘It’s time to get a move in’ campaign to secure investment for 30,000 affordable rented homes for 2012. Shelter Scotland, along with other housing organisations, is calling on the Scottish Executive to fund 30,000 homes over three years (2008-11), through this year’s comprehensive spending review.

2007 presents the best opportunity to significantly invest in housing and help alleviate the current strain on Scotland’s housing market. The additional funding for such a programme would cost less than 1 per cent of the Scottish budget.

Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity, will present the case for 30,000 affordable rented homes to politicians at a reception in the Scottish Parliament tonight.

Archie Stoddart, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We cannot continue to brush housing need underneath the carpet. Housing is central to all of our lives and yet it fails to be central to our spending priorities.

“Politicians must increase investment in housing. Without 30,000 affordable rented homes by 2012, Scotland’s internationally applauded homelessness target might be under threat and we will continue to see thousands of people stuck on waiting lists or in temporary housing. Building these new homes will benefit people in so many ways. It’s time to get a move in.”

Celebrity designers Colin and Justin urged the public to get behind the charity’s campaign by displaying the charity’s new ‘It’s time to get a move in’ sticker on their door. The sticker can be ordered from www.shelter.org.uk/sticker

Celebrity designers, Colin and Justin, said: “Everyone has the right to a home. The Scottish Executive needs to spend more on housing if they are to ensure everyone can have an affordable roof over their head. Show your support for Shelter Scotland’s campaign by putting the It’s time to get a move in sticker on your front door and let everyone – including politicians campaigning during this year’s election – see that we need 30,000 homes for 2012.”