MSP Gordon MacDonald (pictured) has renewed calls for the Ministry of Defence to use empty homes to house veterans – after new figures showed that 871 army homes remain unoccupied in Scotland.
The figures, uncovered through a Freedom of Information request, show that there are 871 vacant MoD properties in Scotland.
Across the UK, 10661 MoD properties remain unoccupied.
While some of these properties are in need of modernisation or have structural damage, many are considered “surplus” and could be used as homes.
The SNP manifesto contained a commitment to press the UK government to use vacant MoD homes to house homeless veterans.
Commenting, Gordon MacDonald said:
“The MoD can ensure that they are making proper use of the homes they have at their disposal – and with almost 900 homes in Scotland currently sitting empty, it seems that they are failing to do so.
“The MoD has a duty of care to veterans and should do everything they can to help those who struggle and may find themselves homeless, especially during this challenging time.
“Allowing homeless veterans to live in these empty homes – many of which are perfectly suitable for use – on a temporary basis, before they move on to a permanent tenancy of their own, would be a good place to start.
“Action to bring this vacant housing into use for the public good is well overdue.
“It’s not right that those homes lie empty and it is in the gift of the UK government to put them to good use and support the SNP’s efforts to end homelessness.”
