Labour Hits Out At SNP Housing Policy

The SNP's housing policy is in disarray and ministers need to come to Parliament with a clear plan for progress, claims the Scottish Labour Party.

A report on the Government's Firm Foundations consultation paper made a number of key criticisms of the SNP policy on targets, first-time home buyers grant and the lead developer model.

It confirms Parliament's views that the SNP has failed to come up with a coherent housing policy and provides sharp evidence that the SNP both over-claims and cannot deliver.


Labour wants Housing Minister, Stewart Maxwell to take the responses to his own consultation seriously and act to improve housing in Scotland.

Labour's communities spokesperson, Johann Lamont said: "Labour has consistently called for a target for the building of affordable housing. This request has been rejected by the SNP, but the report makes it clear that there is strong support for achievable targets.

"The report also records strong opposition to the SNP pledge to give all first time buyers a £2,000 grant to assist with buying a house. Those concerned with the future of housing in Scotland have rejected what was no more than an SNP cynical ploy to gain votes in last year's election."

(GK)