The City of Edinburgh Council has warned that the recession will deepen the city's housing crisis unless urgent action is taken to address the need for more investment in affordable housing.

The city’s Strategic Housing Investment Programme 2009/14 sets out the investment required for the next 5 years at £504m. In 2008/09 Edinburgh received just £36m from the Scottish Government. If investment remains at this level over the next 5 years this would lead to a shortfall of £324m.

A report to be considered by the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee sets out the range of measures the Council is currently taking to address the problem both on its own and with partners to maximise delivery despite a lack of investment. These include; achieving greater efficiencies in the affordable housing investment programme, progressing the 21st Century Homes project to build new council homes, the development of the UK's largest private sector leasing scheme and encouraging accredited private landlords to rent properties to people at risk of homelessness.

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The report reaches a stark conclusion that:"A failure to tackle the city's shortage will undermine the city - and Scotland's ability to cope with the effects of what is increasingly becoming a global recession."

Councillor Paul Edie, Housing Leader said: "We have made a strong case to the Scottish Government on the need for an increase in investment for housing in the city. We are faced with a crippling shortage should investment remain unchanged. We know what we need to do, we know how to do it, and now all we need is the money to make it happen. In the meantime we will take forward what plans we can and help in every way possible anyone that comes to us to find a home."

(GK/JM)