Help for key workers to find rural homes

Argyll and Bute SNP MSP Jenni Minto has welcomed plans announced by First Minister Humza Yousaf to allow councils to double the council tax paid on empty and second homes, in "a radical move to address the challenges around housing in Scotland".

 

"There are currently 4,214 empty and second homes in Argyll & Bute, while an increasing number of people are left in temporary accommodation and on longer housing waiting lists," a spokesperson for Ms Minto said.

 

Ms Minto added: “I welcome these game-changing new proposals, which will undoubtedly help to free up unused homes and take much-needed steps in addressing the housing shortage in Argyll and Bute."

 

Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said the policy will help fulfil the housing commitments set out in the Bute House Agreement between the Greens and Scottish Government.

 

Ms Burgess said: “Homes are for living in, not for hoarding. Everyone should have access to good quality and affordable housing.

 

“Yet, in the Highlands & Islands there are 9,183 perfectly good houses sitting empty for most of the year. This is at the same time as families are stuck on housing waiting lists and young people are being forced to leave the community they have grown up in due to a lack of affordable homes.

 

“These council tax plans sit alongside other crucial measures that we have already delivered, like the increased tax on the initial purchase of second and holiday homes.

 

“Not only will they raise vital funds to support public services during the cost-of-living crisis, they will collectively act as a disincentive on second home ownership and free up more homes for those who really need them. With this kind of bold action, we can tackle the broken housing market.”

 

Her statement defines second homes as those "furnished and lived in for at least 25 days in a 12 month period but not as someone’s main residence". It also lists second homes by local authority: Argyll & Bute 3,045; Highland 3,720; Western Isles 885.

 

Up to £25 million is being made available to help councils identify affordable homes for key workers in rural communities.

 

The five-year initiative will enable local authorities and registered social landlords to acquire or lease properties which can be used to provide homes to meet the needs of their communities.

 

From the Affordable Housing Supply Programme £25 million will be made available from 2023-28 to help to make best use of underused or empty properties by making them available for key workers and others in need.

 

SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, said: “I welcome this demonstration of the First Minister’s continued commitment to Scotland’s rural and island communities, and his recognition of the vital need for more affordable housing to aid population retention and growth in areas like the Western Isles.

 

“It is essential that our islands’ key workers are able to access affordable, high-quality housing.”

 

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “We have committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032 - with at least 10 per cent in remote, rural and island areas."