Scottish Government’s scheme to boost key workers in rural areas houses: FOI release

Information requested

1. How many homes have been approved under the Scottish government’s scheme to boost key workers in rural areas and how many have been utilised? - could this be broken down into each region?
2. Could you supply any analysis undertaken for or by the Scottish Government about how many affordable home developments stopped or paused due to budget cuts from the government?

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have some of the information you have requested. The reasons why we don't have the information is explained below in this letter.

In response to point 1, please find the information you requested in the table below. Based on management information, as at 31 October 2025 there have been a total of 38 homes approved in the local authority areas below. Of these 25 are for social rent and 13 are for mid-market rent (MMR).

Local Authority Area	Homes Approved
Moray	4
Na h-Eilean Siar	6
North Ayrshire	5
Orkney Islands	8
The Highland Council	15
Total Homes	38

​​​​​​​Of these homes, 22 are recorded as completed. On how many have been utilised, this falls under section 17(1) of FOISA, as the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested. The reason we do not hold this information is that the Scottish Government does not manage these homes, this is done by applicants to the fund either directly or through letting agents on their behalf.

​​​​​​​The responsibility for the allocation of housing in the social rented sector lies with the local authority or housing association concerned. Social landlords are required to publish their allocation policies and their decisions to allocate housing will be based on an assessment of an applicant’s housing needs against these rules.

​​​​​​​In response to point 2, again this falls under section 17(1) of FOISA. The Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested. Projects which have already received approval at tender stage have not been paused or stopped. Budget levels for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme vary annually and it is normal practice for the scale and pace of the programme to have to adjust to accommodate available budgets. The Scottish Government continues to work in close partnership with local authorities, as the Strategic Housing Authorities, to explore all viable options for accelerating the delivery of affordable homes in line with priorities outlined in local authority Strategic Housing Investment Plans, recognising that funding alongside a broad range of other factors have an impact on delivery.​​​​​​​

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.