Scottish Government confirm £360m cut in housing budgets

By Euan Moore

This budget slash is really damaging to housing plans (Images: Getty Images)

The budget for the construction of affordable housing has taken a devastating hit after it was announced the Scottish Government has cut £360 million in funding over the past two years.

In 2021 the Scottish Government delivered a pledge that they would build 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. That plan has been heavily placed under threat and is now in danger after the government announced a budget slash. 

Many concerns have emerged following this announcement as building new houses has been viewed as a priority by the Scottish Government.

In Glasgow, where lack of affordable housing is a key issue, people are deeply concerned.

Dominic Leonard, 17, a student at Strathclyde University, said: “It feels like another attack from the Government on the working class. Once again we are seeing another rise in homelessness statistics. Considering we are in 2024 and the world should be moving forward, we should be doing more, but it just feels like we are taking a few big steps back.”

There is a growing gap between the government and the public (Image: Getty Images)

The announcement of fresh cuts has done nothing in helping the Scottish Government get people behind them.

Christopher Prunty, 27, of Cairnhill, said: “I have very little time for the current Government. Hearing this news doesn’t surprise me at all and I’m just more disappointed that people don’t share the same views as me, but that’s politics at the end of the day.”

Noah Buchan, 18, of Carnbroe, agreed, adding: “I think housing should be the Government’s number one area they tackle and should remain that way. There is a massive amount of homeless people living on the streets. Even just in Glasgow it’s ridiculous to see and I feel the Government should be held responsible for that.”