Chamber
Plenary, 15 Feb 2007
15 Feb 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Affordable Housing (Highlands)
Finance and Public Services and Communities
Fergus Ewing would not necessarily expect me to agree with him, as a marine national park could bring massive benefits to the Lochaber economy. Overall, there has been a huge increase in affordable housing in the Highlands. Indeed, as I said, investment in such housing has more than quadrupled since 1997-98.
In the same item of business
1. John Farquhar Munro (Ross, Skye and Inverness West) (LD):
LD
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the availability of affordable housing in the Highlands. (S2O-12027)
The Minister for Communities (Rhona Brankin):
Lab
We are doing a great deal to provide affordable housing in the Highlands. Through Communities Scotland, the Executive is investing £33.6 million to improve t...
John Farquhar Munro:
LD
I thank the minister for that encouraging reply. I am sure that she will be aware of the distinct lack of affordable housing in the Highlands, which is provi...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
I am prepared to look at any innovative suggestion for increasing the number of affordable homes. We are passionately committed to increasing the number of s...
Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab):
Lab
Does the minister agree that it is singularly depressing that Highland Council tenants are having to endure an increase in rents and a freeze on repairs and ...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
I agree that the result of the ballot in the Highland Council area was extremely disappointing. People in the Highlands had what we thought was a terrific op...
Fergus Ewing (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber) (SNP):
SNP
Does the minister agree that there is a chronic shortage of affordable housing in Lochaber, and does she agree that public money should be used for real prio...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
Fergus Ewing would not necessarily expect me to agree with him, as a marine national park could bring massive benefits to the Lochaber economy. Overall, ther...
Maureen Macmillan (Highlands and Islands) (Lab):
Lab
Is the minister aware of what Communities Scotland's housing inspection report said about Highland Council's provision of houses for homeless people? It gave...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
I am aware of the number of breaches of the unsuitable accommodation order in the Highland Council area. However, I think that the most recent statistical bu...