£14.6m boost will make homes more affordable

Mar 11 2009 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

MILLIONS of pounds are to be ploughed into affordable housing across Renfrewshire over the next 12 months.

The funding from the Scottish Government will help build new homes and improve existing ones.

Included in the Affordable Housing Investment Programme plans for Renfrewshire announced yesterday are 70 new homes for affordable rent, including some for older people in Paisley.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: “The budget of £14.6million represents major investment in affordable housing for Renfrewshire.

“This will make a huge difference for many people and their families in the area to get decent homes that they can afford.

“These are hard times for businesses and families across Scotland and this government is working hard to meet this challenge, refocus activity and ensure we get through the economic downturn in the strongest possible position.”

This is the second year of the £1.5billion programme announced in 2008 to provide 21,500 new or improved affordable homes across Scotland by 2011.

COSLA’s Community Wellbeing and Safety Spokesperson, Councillor Harry McGuigan, added: “It is critical that the affordable housing needs of our communities are met during this economically difficult time.”