Strengthen powers to bring empty homes back into use
The Scottish Greens have called on the Scottish Government to adopt stronger measures to tackle Scotland’s housing crisis by backing powers that would allow local authorities to bring long-term empty and derelict homes back into productive use.
The Greens' proposal has been tabled as an amendment to the Housing Bill, which is currently progressing through the Scottish Parliament.
Scottish Government statistics show that 31,596 homes in Scotland were classified as long-term empty, out of a total of 43,538 properties empty for more than 6 months. This represents 73% of the total number of empty homes.
Speaking in today’s Ministerial Statement on the Government’s response to the Housing Emergency, Maggie Chapman MSP asked the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley Anne Sommerville, whether she would support proposals to bring vacant or derelict properties back into use for housing.
The Cabinet Secretary said she would consider Ms Chapman’s proposals given the seriousness of the issue.
This latest push builds on the Scottish Greens’ longstanding commitment to land and housing reform after they were previously successful in the implementation of Compulsory Purchase Orders.
Commenting, Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said:
“The Scottish Parliament accepts that we are in the midst of a housing emergency, it’s now time they started acting like it. Thousands of homes and plots of land are sitting empty or derelict. These amendments are about making significant changes the housing inequality which blights Scotland and puts homes back into the hands of people who need them.
“It would be a vital step toward a fairer, more sustainable housing system. It is a long-overdue reform that can help alleviate housing pressures and support community regeneration. The amendments will build on Compulsory Purchase Orders, crucially allowing for greater flexibility in who the final buyer or tenant might be.
“These proposals are rooted in recommendations from the Scottish Land Commission and are backed by homelessness charities and housing justice organisations. They would play a vital role in taking power back from the negligent super-rich who are hoarding properties and contributing to the significant struggles we are seeing for many to find safe and affordable accommodation.
“If the SNP don’t act now by strengthening our hand in tackling housing inequality, then prior progress will stall. It is not the time for half-measures, it is time to make real change to people’s lives.”