Chamber
Plenary, 15 Feb 2007
15 Feb 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Affordable Housing (Highlands)
Finance and Public Services and Communities
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 bulletin shows that there has been a slight decrease in the number of breaches.
Communities Scotland is working with Highland Council to consider ways in which the problem of the provision of houses for homeless people can be resolved. We would like progress to be faster, but I reiterate that the money that has been made available for affordable housing in the Highlands has more than quadrupled since 1997-98 and that, since last year, there has been a 30 per cent increase in the housing investment programme. That huge investment in affordable housing in the Highlands will make a difference to people's lives.
Communities Scotland is working with Highland Council to consider ways in which the problem of the provision of houses for homeless people can be resolved. We would like progress to be faster, but I reiterate that the money that has been made available for affordable housing in the Highlands has more than quadrupled since 1997-98 and that, since last year, there has been a 30 per cent increase in the housing investment programme. That huge investment in affordable housing in the Highlands will make a difference to people's lives.
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...