29 June 2007
The Scottish government is setting up a task force to speed up the building of thousands of new homes.
The decision follows the publication of a Scottish Executive economic discussion paper, Scottish housing marketing review, warning that the country would be blighted by lower economic competitiveness, widening social inequality and rising inflation unless 50% more homes (30,000) were built annually between now and 2016.
The report said Scotland would be 'wealthier and fairer' if housing problems could be resolved. It pointed out that Scottish house prices are now 31% above the historic trend and annual rises are outstripping those in England.
In Edinburgh, 30% of working households are now unable to afford the cheapest properties available. 'Overall, the evidence points to housing market inefficiency… with inadequate responses in supply leading to shortages and inflated house prices,' the report says.
The task force, which will include councils, builders, interest groups and housing associations, will examine land supply and planning issues.
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