Social house building plummets to lowest level in a decade following budget cuts

Social house building has hit its lowest level in a decade, according to new statistics from the Scottish Government.

The number of homes for social rent approved under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) in 24/25 dropped by 16 per cent compared to 23/24, marking the lowest number since 2014/15.

The number of homes for social rent started under AHSP in 24/25 saw a 14 per cent decrease compared to 23/24, making it the lowest number since 2014/15. Meanwhile the number of social homes completed plummeted by 13 per cent compared to 23/24, which makes this the lowest number since 2020.

Gordon MacRae, Shelter Scotland Assistant Director Communications & Advocacy, said:

“The continued decline in the number of social homes being delivered is the inevitable, and entirely foreseeable, consequence of repeated changes to the housing budget and lack of urgent action from the Scottish Government.

“If ministers fail to deliver the 110,000 new affordable homes by 2032, they will turn their backs on the thousands of people in Scotland who are being harmed by temporary accommodation while waiting for their forever home.

“Homelessness is rising across the country, and this is the opportunity for our new cabinet secretary for housing to lead in tackling the housing emergency and do things differently. We need homes for people experiencing homelessness and to get those 10,360 children out of temporary accommodation. This must start with sustained investment for more social homes.”