West Lothian Council is urgently calling for increased funding from Holyrood to address the housing crisis plaguing the region. With a pressing need for more council housing and a reversal of budget cuts, the council is turning to Housing Minister Paul McLennan for support. The SNP has labeled the crisis, particularly the significant spending on B&B accommodations, as self-inflicted. Housing spokesman Councillor Robert de Bold expressed deep concern over the “real misery and distress” caused by the council’s actions.
Proposals for the Housing Emergency Action Plan were discussed at the Housing Services PDSP meeting, outlining an eight-point plan to present to Housing Minister Paul McLennan. Among the key points in the plan are urgent meetings with the Minister for Housing, increased revenue grant funding to support the council’s RRTP, and a reversal of the 26% cut to the affordable housing program budget. Additionally, the council is calling for the suspension of legislation removing local connection requirements, which would allow anyone to demand housing from the council in West Lothian.
During the meeting, Marjory Mackie, Housing Strategy and Development Manager, highlighted the promised extra funding of £2 million from the Scottish Government for the acquisition of former council homes to bolster housing stock. Councillor Robert De Bold criticized the council’s failure to build an adequate housing stock over the years, pointing out missed opportunities to expand the council house construction program. He emphasized the financial strain of spending millions on temporary accommodations while neglecting long-term solutions.
Councillor Andrew McGuire echoed concerns about the housing emergency, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address housing issues across the region. He acknowledged the challenges faced by local authorities but stressed the importance of proactive measures to ensure residents have access to quality housing. Councillor McGuire welcomed the Minister’s proactive approach and called for continued dialogue to find sustainable solutions.
Chairing the meeting, Councillor George Paul emphasized the gravity of declaring a housing emergency and the shared challenges faced by councils across the country. He criticized the Scottish Government for failing to provide adequate funding for housing initiatives and urged for a more collaborative approach to address the crisis. Councillor Paul highlighted the need for a comprehensive housing strategy that prioritizes long-term solutions over short-term fixes.
Moving forward, the Housing Emergency Action Plan will be presented to the council Executive for further consideration. The council remains committed to advocating for increased funding and policy changes to tackle the housing crisis in West Lothian. By engaging with the Housing Minister and seeking support from the Scottish Government, the council aims to address the urgent housing needs of residents and alleviate the strain on local resources.
In conclusion, the housing crisis in West Lothian requires immediate action and collaboration at all levels of government. By prioritizing funding for council housing, reversing budget cuts, and suspending legislation that hinders progress, the council is taking proactive steps to address the pressing housing needs of the community. With a comprehensive Housing Emergency Action Plan in place, the council is poised to work towards sustainable solutions that provide residents with safe and affordable housing options.