- Housing Supply

Housing Supply in Scotland: Affordability, mobility and the economy

Tuesday 26th June, 2007
Hilton Grosvenor Hotel
Edinburgh

CPD Training: 4.5 hours

Local authorities, the social rented sector and private house builders are all affected by the low flow of housing supply in Scotland. The UK Barker Review concluded that a weak housing supply contributes to macro-economic instability, hinders labour market flexibility and weakens growth. Housing supply is a key driver of employment, economic flow and social well-being.

But housing as a proactive instrument of economic policy has yet to be fully realised in Scotland. Scotland builds approximately 25,000 new homes a year in comparison to the Republic of Ireland’s 80,000. Central Government in Ireland has a target to build 500,000 new homes in 10 years.

The housing shortage is creating a huge wealth gap between home owners and others. The lack of affordable or flexible alternatives to ownership threatens a new class of homeless person in low and middle income families. In addition, the personal aspirations of young professionals to fully contribute to the economy and wider society could also be limited..

Will planning reform and new, more affordable models of ownership alter this landscape? Or does Scotland need a different policy approach that is responsive to the demands of the economy?

This one day conference will examine the key issues that impact upon Scotland’s housing supply. It will discuss the role of national government in addressing the shortage and also ask what Scotland can learn from the housing solutions of other countries.

Reduced Rate - £169.00 + VAT
registered charities with income less than £1M, third sector organisations, academics and community organisations
Supported Rate - £110.00 + VAT
registered charities with income less than £1M, third sector organisations, academics and community organisations
Conference Papers Only - £51.00 + VAT