Empty properties rise to an all-time high under SNP
Under the SNP the number of long-term empty properties has increased to its highest ever recorded level.
The Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update, published today, has shown that under the SNP the number of long-term empty properties has increased from 20,328 in 2007 to 37,135 in 2017.
This is an increase of 16,807, or a staggering 83 per cent.
Despite an increase in housing completions, the latest statistics also show a fall in affordable housing completions from 7,264 in 2016 to 6,647 in 2017. This represents a drop of 8 per cent.
The Scottish Conservatives have long argued for a mixture of new incentives and stronger regulation to be introduced to bring these properties back into use.
Commenting on the latest figures Scottish Conservative housing spokesman Graham Simpson said:
“Throughout their decade in government the SNP has seen empty properties soar, taking valuable properties out of use.
“At the same time, under the SNP, the affordable housing supply has stagnated.
“This is a record of complacency and inaction.
“For the thousands of people waiting for housing this latest increase in empty properties will feel particularly frustrating.
“The SNP must introduce a Help to Rebuild scheme which could bring together disparate grant schemes under one easily accessible umbrella programme.
“In addition, the SNP must enable empty business premises to be turned into affordable housing as well as help farmers convert empty buildings into housing.
“The SNP must take innovative action to tackle this rise in empty properties