Dear Sir,

I write in relation to the near £100m pledged by John Swinney in the Scottish Government's budget to be spent on affordable housing.

This boost to the affordable housing funding pot must be welcomed. This is a significant sum spread across different yet complementary areas which will help to in some way ease the burden we presently face. The demand for affordable housing is at its highest for a generation and, at present, there simply isn't the funding to build the level of supply required.

And, although this is a sizeable boost, we must ensure it is kept in perspective in relation to the mounting waiting lists we face.

Due to budget constraints, housing associations are now being innovative in terms of sourcing funding and how we can, in effect, supply more with less. This is no easy task and what everyone, from the Government, to councils, to housing associations to the public want is for people to have the opportunity to live in safe, secure and welcoming housing in strong communities.

It is imperative the impact good social housing has on society overall is not underestimated. Providing real homes that people are proud to live in and developing strong communities have vast knock-on benefits in relation to areas such as health, social care and policing.

We are undoubtedly facing constrained times but this latest announcement shows the Government recognises the vital role affordable housing has an investment for the short, medium and long-term success of our country.

Yours faithfully,

Keith Anderson
Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association