Affordable Housing Delivery Targets: Letter to UK Government

To: Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed OBE

From: Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan

Dear Steve

I write following recent media coverage reporting claims that the UK Government is poised to reduce affordable housing delivery targets, starting in London. I would welcome your comments on the validity of these reports, the content of the correspondence referred, as well as clarity on your government’s position and intention regarding policy and financial support for the delivery of affordable housing more generally.

With the UK budget imminent, I am deeply concerned that you may be considering deprioritising affordable housing at a time when there is increasing pressure on the housing system across the UK and the subsequent detrimental effect this would have on Scotland’s ability to continue to prioritise the delivery of affordable, and, in particular, social rented homes. You will be aware that I recently published a Housing Emergency Action Plan which reinforced the importance of a long term approach to forward investment in affordable homes and the Scottish Government remains committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, recognising the critical role that housing plays in helping to eradicate child poverty as well as promote positive environments for the people of Scotland to live and thrive. I look forward to your response and reassurance that housing and, in particular affordable housing, remains a top priority for the UK Government.

Yours sincerely

Màiri McAllan