Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands region has pushed the Housing Minister to create “three homes for the price of one” by investing in retrofit and renovation of empty properties to bring them back into use.
Speaking in response to a Ministerial Statement on the Housing Emergency, and welcoming the focus on vacant social homes, Ms Burgess, asked:
“Given that it’s possible to create three homes from existing properties for the price of one new build, what about the over 40,000 empty properties and vacant spaces above commercial properties which could be homes?
“I’d appreciate hearing from the Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to support communities and councils to create three homes for the price of one?”
The Minister acknowledged the importance of Ms Burgess’ question and emphasised work on local housing strategies, providing more flexible funding such as through the Rural Housing Supply Programme and Rural Housing Fund, and encouraging local authorities to look at the opportunities in their town centres both for housing and broader economic development and place-making.
Commenting following the exchange in Chamber today, Ms Burgess said:
“I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to continuing to support rural housebuilding and the Minister highlighting long-term funding for community-led housing secured while Greens were in Government.
“However, we can’t keep looking at the housing crisis as an issue that will only be fixed by increasing the number of new builds.
“Many communities are blighted by empty and under-used properties that could be quickly and affordably brought back into use as much-needed affordable homes, often at a fraction of the cost of new builds. While there are communities and councils already leading on this.
“I want to see a clear pathway of support that will encourage others to engage in three for one.”
