Urgent action needed to tackle chronic housing shortage here

May 21 2008

It is clear that new measures, radical action and hard cash are needed to stop the chronic housing shortage in South Lanarkshire. It’s a basic human right to have secure housing, homes fit for the purpose and new housing in locations with first-class amenities.

At present we have approximately 16,000 people desperate for accommodation in South Lanarkshire, including 3000 on transfer lists and 700 homeless people. They all want their own homes.

Laws must be produced to make it easier for councils to negotiate working with partners, building projects and planning. There must be a surge, a real desire to assist the thousands of residents desperate for a home.

The Scottish Government, Westminster and other stakeholders have all recognised the need for new housing. This is encouraging.

There has to be a two-pronged approach:

l A grant for first-time buyers and residents on the housing list for three or more years. The grant would be means-tested; up to £20,000 would be available for deposits, legal fees and general expenses. This money could be paid back if the house was sold for a profit.

This offer would encourage people to buy houses in South Lanarkshire. The council would benefit from any local tax, which hopefully the residents would spend in the area, thus improving the local economy. This incentive could be rolled out nationally.

l It would be fantastic to see houses being built. This would encourage people by providing employment and training and apprenticeship schemes. Areas would be re-generated; a real win-win situation.

A recent review by the Westminster Government agreed that a massive house-building programme is needed to assist the thousands of people requiring affordable housing. I believe part of the proposal is to build three million new, greener homes by 2020.

South Lanarkshire Council must receive their share of this investment. There has to be a building programme implemented soon to assist and relieve the chronic housing shortage.

Councillors hear familiar stories of overcrowding (people waiting years for a house) and have people coming to surgeries desperate for a home. Naturally with so many people waiting for properties the housing resource is under tremendous pressure.

We must support local housing staff and try to comprehend the often-difficult job they carry out. Equally, local councillors should be more involved.

Only by introducing new innovative schemes and building new houses shall we see the problem resolved. There are difficult times ahead for everyone concerned with local housing.

I must reiterate that only by enthusiasm, hard work, commitment and massive investment will things improve.

Councillor Bert Thomson.