The number of new homes built in Scotland slumped by almost 7,000 in a decade, according to figures released by the Scottish Government.
In 2007, construction started on more than 26,500 new homes, including private and social housing, but in 2017 — the latest figures available — this had fallen to fewer than 18,000.
The fall in house building comes at a time when the population in Scotland has increased to a record high of 5.42 million.
The figures have been described as “deeply concerning” by one council leader who pointed to “lengthy” social housing waiting lists across Scotland.
In Tayside, Fife and Aberdeenshire, 901 fewer houses were under construction in 2017 compared to 2007, with the biggest fall in Aberdeenshire at 359, although Fife bucked the trend with an increase of 110.
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said:“The SNP Government has presided over a crisis in housing.
“With longer planning delays and a considerable decline in private house building, the system is grinding to a halt.
“Fewer people have any reasonable access to owning their own home and gaining all the benefits this brings to their families and finances. This is a record of complacency and inaction.
“We have called on the Scottish Government to build a further 100,000 homes during the course of this parliament and we are encouraging St Andrews house to take radical action when it comes to housing as this is a crisis it has the powers to solve.”
However Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart hit back: “We have delivered more than 76,000 affordable homes since 2007, and we are on track to deliver at least 50,000 affordable homes over this Parliament, which will include 35,000 homes for social rent.
“This will be backed by more than £3 billion – the single biggest investment in, and delivery of, affordable housing since devolution and we are determined to see it benefit all parts of Scotland.
“We are also making £70 million available this year for our Open Market Shared Equity scheme to help up to 1,700 first-time buyers on low to moderate incomes own their own home.
“We have also ended the right to buy in Scotland – protecting existing social rented homes and preventing the sale of up to 15,500 houses over a 10-year period.”
Leader of Angus Council, David Fairweather called for more action from the Scottish Government to solve the “construction crisis”:
He said: “These figures are deeply concerning. There is no question that we need more homes of all tenures.
“I am contacted every week by people looking for help and advice on housing issues, but the fact is that not enough homes are being built, and this is driving up rents and house prices.
Director of Planning at representative body Homes for Scotland Tammy Swift-Adams said: “The chronic undersupply of housing affects the whole of Scotland. Our members, who deliver homes of all tenures, experience a range of barriers in trying to increase supply to meet need and demand.
“Amongst these are delays in planning and other consents which means they simply can’t get onto new sites quickly enough.
“We are pleased to see Councillor Fairweather acknowledge the need for more homes – it is vital all Local Authorities work with the industry to ensure local areas get the homes they need to sustain their communities and economies.
“Our recent Barriers and Solutions paper explores this issue, outlining the actions needed to meet the country’s housing requirements.”
