THERE is a high level of risk that targets to build 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 will be missed, according to a Scottish Government document.
The risk register report, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Scottish Labour, notes there has been a slowing pace of approvals for new houses.
The document, which was produced in February, also says there has been an increase in tender prices which could hinder reaching the 2032 target.
This commitment to build 110,000 affordable homes was made in the 2021 Programme for Government, the first legislative agenda of the SNP-Green Government.
In the risk register report, the problems with approvals and tender prices are given a “red” risk rating of 100 – meaning the risks are very high and mitigating action is needed.
The risk of insufficient levels of capital funding is given an “orange” rating of 75.
Scottish Labour housing spokesperson Mark Griffin said all 16 identified risks were higher than their targets.
He said: “Scotland is in the grips of a growing housing crisis, but our affordable housing programme is in chaos.
“It’s clear Shona Robison ignored a string of warnings and left a trail of destruction in her wake.
“Problems are spiralling out of control, casting doubt on key SNP election pledges to build more affordable homes. The stakes are far too high for this scheme to join the SNP’s long list of broken promises and abandoned plans.”
In March, it emerged that the number of affordable homes approved in 2022 was at the lowest level since 2013.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It is incorrect to claim the Scottish Government’s affordable housing budget has been cut by almost £200m.
“The Affordable Housing Supply Budget for 2023-24 is £752 million. In addition £17.6 million has been provided in financial transactions, along with £15 million from the Heat in Buildings Fund as well as Charitable Bond Programme donations directed towards investment in social rented homes.
“Across the 15 years between 2007/08 and 2021/22, the annual average supply of affordable housing per head of population in Scotland has been 13.9 homes per 10,000 population, higher than England (9.7 homes per 10,000 population) and Wales (8.0 homes per 10,000 population).
“We remain committed to making £3.5 billion available for affordable housing over the current parliamentary session as part of our ambitious plans to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. The number of affordable homes completed in Scotland in the year to end March 2023 is the highest annual figure since 2000.”
