New analysis from Shelter Scotland shows nearly 70,000 children are on social housing waiting lists around the country, leading for calls to build more than 37,000 new social-rented homes.
The analysis comes from the Scottish Housing Survey, which showed there are 40,000 households with children on waiting lists – and within those household there a total of 70,000 children.
The analysis suggests that 20 children in every school are on a social housing waiting list.
In light of the research, Shelter Scotland has today launched its largest-ever campaign, calling for the construction of at least 37,100 social homes over the course of the next parliament.
Following on from the analysis, new Shelter Scotland/YouGov polling published today shows high support for social housebuilding among Scottish voters:
- 55% of respondents believe the next Scottish government should build more social homes than the current government will have built by the end of this parliamentary term;
- This figure increases to 65% when those surveyed were provided with the analysis of the number of children on waiting lists
- 63% believe Scottish political parties should prioritise building social homes;
- 21% believe they should prioritise ensuring more people can buy a home
Commenting on the analysis, Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson said: “It’s not right that tens of thousands of children don’t have the security of a safe, affordable home.
“We know that delivering more social homes will support economic growth, create jobs, and help Scotland to meet its climate targets.
“It will also strengthen our communities – reducing poverty and inequality, improving people’s health and tackling the root cause of homelessness.”
Scottish housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “We are committed to expanding our social housing stock and have transformed access to affordable housing.
“The impact of lockdown meant that there was a necessary pause in the delivery of affordable and social homes at a critical time in our 50,000 target period.
“We are continuing to work with partners across the housing sector in order that the programme can be progressed, as construction resumes in a new safe way.”
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