Housing Bill: Greens condemn SNP ‘rhetoric over reality’ as action on empty homes ditched
The Scottish Greens have condemned the SNP Government for voting down plans to bring more empty homes back into use.
The proposals, which were put forward by the Greens as amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill, would have empowered councils to issue compulsory sales orders on long-term unoccupied residential properties.
Recent Scottish Government statistics have shown that 31,596 homes in Scotland are classified as having been empty for more than a year. This is more than the number of homelessness applications made across Scotland last year. It means the powers proposed by the Greens would have been a key step towards alleviating the housing emergency.
However, the SNP and the Conservatives voted down the plans at Stage 2 of the Bill process. They did so despite polling commissioned by the Scottish Greens showing that the majority of people (69%) want to see powers introduced that would force owners of derelict homes to sell up.
Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman, who brought the amendment, said that the Government’s decision not to back the proposals showed it wasn’t serious about considering all options to tackle the housing emergency.
Ms Chapman said:
“The Scottish Government agrees that we are in the midst of a growing housing emergency. But, once again, we’re seeing that its rhetoric isn’t translating into reality.
“Home ownership is a distant dream for people all over Scotland. Too many people are trapped in the private rented sector or are having to live with their parents or sleep on friends’ sofas because rents are so high. Seeing empty, neglected homes in their area must feel like a kick in the teeth.
“The compulsory sales orders amendment that I brought forward would have rapidly opened up thousands of homes to Scottish people. Instead of backing a near-instant boost to affordable housing supply, the SNP has opted to do nothing.
“Every abandoned flat and empty plot is a missed opportunity to provide a secure home for someone who desperately needs it. The Scottish Greens will continue to do all we can to bring these vacant spaces back into use.”