Extra money for housing

SHETLAND is due to receive an extra £292,000 this year for affordable housing.

It comes after the Scottish Government pledged an extra £35 million to local councils for housing.

Hjaltland Housing Association chief executive Bryan Leask said Shetland’s funding for the following two years would stay the same.

“Our forecasts showed that we were needing additional resources for the schemes already on site so it won’t result in any additional units that aren’t already on site or are due to start this year,” he said.

Last year it was announced that Shetland Islands Council would receive £14.325 million between now and 2021 for affordable housing.

However, that figure is now £14.617 million thanks to the new injection of cash.

The term affordable housing covers social rent, affordable rent and affordable home ownership.

The Scottish Government’s total spend on affordable housing across the country in 2018/19 will now amount to £568 million.

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “We will work in partnership with councils and housing associations to deliver quality homes to meet local needs.

“This investment backs up our ambitions with financial certainty, meaning councils can plan homes now, with a guarantee of increased funding each year.”