Scottish Labour has slammed the SNP government for letting affordable home completions drop sharply, worsening the nation’s housing emergency. Official figures reveal a steady decline in new builds over recent years, prompting calls for urgent action from Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan.
Labour Blasts SNP Over Housing Failures
Scottish Labour leaders point to a clear pattern of decline in housing supply that has left thousands without affordable options. They argue that the government’s inaction has only made the crisis worse, especially after Scotland declared a national housing emergency in 2024.
Mark Griffin, Scottish Labour’s housing spokesman, stated that the drop in completions shows a mismatch between SNP promises and real results. He urged ministers to release a detailed plan soon to reverse the trend.
The criticism comes amid broader concerns about rising homelessness and long waiting lists for social housing across cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Key Figures Show Alarming Decline
Data from recent government reports highlight the scale of the problem. Affordable home completions fell from 23,486 in 2022 to 21,318 in 2023, and further to 19,988 in 2024.
Starts on new projects also dropped, going from 22,088 in 2022 to 16,849 in 2023, and hitting 15,749 in 2024. This marks a significant slowdown in efforts to meet housing demands.
Experts note that these numbers reflect challenges like rising construction costs and planning delays. In the first quarter of 2025, housebuilding starts reached a 30-year low, adding pressure on local communities.
The trend continues into 2025, with quarterly updates showing no quick recovery. This has sparked debates in parliament about funding and policy changes needed to boost supply.
Government Defends Record Amid Criticism
The Scottish government pushes back against the claims, emphasizing long-term achievements. Officials say they have delivered over 139,000 affordable homes since 2007, far outpacing rates in England and Wales.
A spokesperson highlighted current investments, including 768 million pounds this year for housing projects. They also mentioned 40 million pounds aimed at buying existing properties to speed up affordable options.
Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan plans to update on emergency measures this autumn. The government argues that their per-head delivery of homes beats UK averages, with 47 percent more than England and 73 percent more than Wales between 2007 and 2024.
Despite these defenses, critics say recent cuts in budgets have slowed progress, leading to fewer completions year on year.
Impact on Scottish Families and Communities
The falling numbers mean real hardship for many. Families face longer waits for social rent homes, while young people struggle to enter the property market.
In areas like Aberdeen and Glasgow, localized markets show some resilience, but overall supply shortages drive up rents and prices. This has led to increased homelessness, with reports of record numbers seeking emergency accommodation in 2025.
Community groups and unions have joined calls for more council housing. They point to successful past efforts but warn that without bold steps, the crisis will deepen.
- Rising rents in major cities have pushed average monthly costs above 900 pounds in Edinburgh.
- Homelessness applications rose by 10 percent in the last year, straining local services.
- Waiting lists for social housing now exceed 150,000 households nationwide.
Comparing Scotland’s Efforts to UK Neighbors
Scotland’s housing stats tell a mixed story when viewed against the rest of the UK. While per-head affordable home delivery leads, recent declines lag behind some English regions.
| Year | Scotland Completions | England Completions (per head adjustment) | Wales Completions (per head adjustment) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 23,486 | 18,000 | 12,000 |
| 2023 | 21,318 | 17,500 | 11,500 |
| 2024 | 19,988 | 17,000 | 11,000 |
This table adjusts for population differences, showing Scotland’s edge in earlier years but a narrowing gap lately. Analysts say policy differences, like Scotland’s focus on social rent, explain some variations.
In Northern Ireland, similar drops in builds have prompted political backlash, mirroring Scotland’s debates.
Paths Forward to Solve the Crisis
Experts suggest several ways to turn things around. Increasing funding for private developers could spark more starts, while streamlining planning rules might cut delays.
Local authorities call for more power to build council homes directly. Recent events, like worker victories in related sectors, show that community action can influence policy.
The government has committed to 110,000 more affordable homes by 2032, but meeting this will require overcoming current hurdles. With elections on the horizon, housing remains a key voter issue.
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