Scotland’s housing crisis remains a pressing issue as the country marks the anniversary of the Scottish Government’s declaration of a housing emergency.
Despite growing awareness, campaigners and industry experts argue that not enough has changed to address the chronic shortage of affordable homes, particularly in the North East.
High-Profile Visits Highlight Local Challenges
Recently, architect and television presenter George Clarke visited an Aberdeenshire development to draw attention to the ongoing housing challenges in the region.
Clarke’s visit comes at a time when the demand for affordable, high-quality homes is outstripping supply, leaving many families and individuals in precarious living situations.
According to recent reports, Scotland faces a significant deficit in affordable housing, with tens of thousands of people on waiting lists across the country.
The situation is particularly acute in areas like Aberdeenshire, where rising rents and a lack of new social housing developments have intensified the strain on local communities.
Many residents are struggling to find secure accommodation, with some forced into temporary or unsuitable housing arrangements.
Impact on Communities and the Economy
The shortage of affordable homes is not just a social issue; it has far-reaching economic consequences. Employers in the North East report difficulties in attracting and retaining staff due to the lack of suitable housing.
This challenge is compounded by the region’s aspirations for economic growth and diversification, which rely on a stable and settled workforce.
Housing campaigners and industry leaders are urging the Scottish Government to accelerate investment in affordable and social housing.
They argue that more ambitious targets and streamlined planning processes are essential to meet current and future demand.
There is also a push for innovative approaches to housing delivery, including partnerships between the public and private sectors, to unlock stalled developments and make better use of available land.
Calls for Government Action
Alison Watson, director of Scotland Shelter said: “It’s been a year since the Scottish Parliament declared a housing emergency. Since then, homelessness has gone up and social housebuilding has gone down.
“Last week the Scottish Government announced a Programme for Government with no plan to end the housing emergency. Instead, we had a Programme for Homelessness which says nothing about the 10,360 children trapped in temporary accommodation which experts say exposes them to violence, vermin and isolation. This simply cannot continue into the next government.
“Everyone deserves a safe, secure home. But too many people in Scotland still live in fear — battling unaffordable rents, unsuitable housing, or outright discrimination.
“Today’s research reveals the harsh toll Scotland’s housing emergency has taken over the last four years – and it’s only getting worse.”
Speaking at the BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show, Sir Tom Hunter said: “To solve the housing crisis you need to build more houses. Really? That’s it.
“I know of hundreds of millions of pounds that are sitting on the sidelines, not coming to Scotland because the investors go: ‘We are not quite sure what the Scottish government’s housing policy is. Rent cap? No rent cap? What is it?
“We will just go to Manchester. We will just go to Birmingham.
“And therefore sort the policy. Sort it tomorrow and hundreds of millions of pounds will flow into Scotland.”
While recent high-profile visits and media attention have helped to shine a light on the crisis, campaigners stress that only sustained policy intervention and increased funding will resolve Scotland’s housing emergency.
As the anniversary of the emergency declaration passes, the message from Aberdeenshire and beyond is clear: urgent action is needed to ensure everyone in Scotland has access to a safe, affordable home.
