The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland (CIH Scotland) has welcomed a housing subsidies increase for 'affordable' housing by the Scottish Government.

It has been revealed future grant subsidies are to be increased for 'affordable' homes for rent being delivered over the next three years by up to £14,000 per property

CIH Scotland Director Annie Mauger said the proposed increase is "very welcome" due to the funding shortfall being experienced by 'affordable' housing providers.


"The adjustments to the subsidy framework and benchmarks fully reflect the recommendations of the 2015 Subsidy Working Group of which CIH Scotland was an active participant," she said.

"Setting subsidy benchmarks at a realistic level to reflect rising delivery costs is absolutely crucial if we are to achieve the Scottish Government’s ambition to deliver many more affordable homes through its Affordable Housing Supply Programme."

Ms Mauger added the announcement will provide an "important boost" to the programme as well as keeping social rents affordable.

"Increasing the supply of affordable homes offers multiple benefits including improved health and wellbeing and an important stimulus to jobs and the economy," she said.

"Delivering those additional homes will also require an improved land supply, a planning system that is fit for purpose and increased capacity within the construction sector."

(LM/MH)