Glasgow aiming to build more than 6,000 social housing homes

There are hopes for at least 7,187 new affordable homes to be built and acquired in Glasgow over the next five years.

Council leader Susan Aitken said she expects more capital cash might be on its way from the UK Government through Holyrood, which could go towards housing.

Out of 6,637 affordable homes to be built, nearly 80 per cent would be social housing and others would be mid market rent.

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The council's strategic housing investment plan (SHIP) covering up to 2030 would also see 550 social rent homes delivered through converting already built properties.

The numbers of affordable properties built could be much higher if the council manages to scale up efforts - with the potential to deliver a total of 11,508 homes - if 37 new sites are developed.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convenor for housing, development, built heritage and land use, said the vision and priorities of the plan include reducing homelessness and the number of households currently living in emergency or temporary accommodation and increasing the supply of affordable family housing.

He said other aims include contributing to reducing the number of children living in poverty, supporting refugee households living in Glasgow and responding to pressures that are being experienced in the city's private sector rental market including a reduction in letting activity and an increase in the cost of rents.

The plan was presented to the council's city administration committee last week and councillors were told funding from the Scottish Government' for affordable housing reduced last year. The council was due to receive £104 million but that was cut to £78.6 million but eventually rose to £90.2 million.

Councillor Soryia Siddique, Labour, asked how priorities could be achieved with a budget cut and how many buildings have been repurposed to deal with the housing and homeless crisis.

Councillor Kelly said the council is looking at properties to repurpose in the city centre with a project taking place at Enoch Square.

He added: "The plan we have here sets out what we believe is achievable given the funding in the city with our current resources in terms of our registered social landlord partners - what can be delivered if we have the financing. This paper will form the basis of our ask to the Scottish Government."

The SNP councillor said discussions have taken place with regards to increases to the UK Government budget and what that means for the Scottish budget.

He said: "We are still waiting to see exactly what the outcome of that is in terms of additional capital money. As soon as we know that - we will be making every representation that we possibly can to the Scottish Government for as much as possible of that money to come to Glasgow and specifically for addressing housing need in the city."

Labour councillor Elaine McDougall sought assurance that social landlords who front fund construction costs would get the money back from grants.
An official confirmed the cash would be returned but the time frame could vary.

Councillor McDougall asked if this would slow down the building of affordable homes.

Councillor Kelly said it is a guarantee that a reduction in funding would slow down the building of affordable homes and pointed out that is why there is a detailed plan in terms of costing, delivery and time lines.

Councillor Aitken said a capital uplift from the UK Government should help boost cash for housing in the city. She said affordable housing is a top priority for the Scottish Government and if cuts to their capital budget are restored even partially the council can be "hopeful perhaps something is coming down the line."

The committee approved the Glasgow Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2025/26 to 2029/30 and its submission to the Scottish Government

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