Government minister to discuss islands’ housing crisis 19/1/09
Scottish Government minister Stewart Maxwell can expect criticism over the SNP’s housing policy he travels to the Western Isles today.
The Communities and Sport minister is due to meets with island councillor at lunchtime to discuss the islands’ chronic housing problem.
Councillor Donald John Macsween who is also Labour’s Western Isles’ prospective candidate for Westminster has warned that SNP’s policies are worsening the local housing crisis.
Around 751 applicants seek social housing. In addition 65 homeless people were housed last year - almost a third of the stock turnover - and roughly numerous families classed as high priority homeless are still waiting for a permanent home.
Mr Macsween is concerned that the SNP has effectively stalled a new-build housing programme by Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) which runs the former council house stock.
Mr Maxwell's visit was arranged after the local authority raised its own fears.
But Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan has pointed out that he is working to try and resolve a funding package for the housing partnership and to see if any recognition could be made of HHP role as a new housing association.
