Conference notes with concern that there is a housing shortage in Scotland which has resulted in a 65% rise in weekly social housing rents between 2005 and 2016 according to Shelter Scotland.
Conference expresses grave concern at the findings of Shelter Scotland which show there are over 100,000 people on social housing waiting lists at present. Conference recognises the value of community owned not for profit housing programs to improve housing options for tenants and reduce health inequalities. Conference calls for the immediate devolution of all powers relating to cooperatives and social enterprises to the Scottish Parliament.
Conference further calls for implementation of a statutory asset lock to prevent privatisation of any homes built as part of community owned housing programs. Conference requests that the Scottish Government introduces community housing programs outlined herein as part of their affordable housing strategy subject to a comprehensive review.