Wightman highlights opportunity of derelict land to tackle Scotland's housing crisis
Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP today (26 June) highlighted new figures showing the opportunity to use derelict and vacant land to tackle Scotland's housing crisis.
The total amount of derelict and urban vacant land in Scotland is 11,649 hectares.
Andy Wightman MSP said:
“It is of no surprise that we have a housing crisis in our hands. Indeed, just last week the Scottish Government reported that the number of people who are homeless in Scotland has increased after an eight year decline. However, there are significant opportunities to utilise derelict and vacant land to address the country’s housing needs.
"With nearly 60% of Scotland’s most deprived communities sited within 500 metres of vacant and derelict land, we can use this land to develop and regenerate where the need is greatest. It is therefore deeply troubling that the Scottish Government have consistently ignored our calls to recognise the potential of this land and bring it fully into the non-domestic rates system. By our calculations, this could generate £200 million for vital public services and the creation of a programme of building truly affordable homes that would tackle the housing crisis.”