Back in January (click on headline above to view) I highlighted the lack of momentum behind the SNP government's funding announcement on capital monies to kick-start council house building across Scotland.Well, there's finally been an announcement on the allocation of around two thirds of the £25 million to be allocated and, as I indicate in today's 'Courier', I am very disappointed that Dundee has been overlooked in the initial announcement of funding allocations.
Dundee’s bid of £704 000 was not one of the successful bids in the announcement, which covered some two-thirds of the total £25 million fund. The majority of Scottish Councils – some 18 – did not benefit from the announcement. Neighbouring councils to Dundee, such as Fife and Perth and Kinross did benefit and it is very concerning that Dundee’s bid for new houses for wheelchair users has not yet borne fruit.
The bulk of the funding has now been allocated to 14 councils, so there is going to be significant competition between the bids that have not had funding secured as yet for the remaining monies.
Dundee’s bid of £704 000 was not one of the successful bids in the announcement, which covered some two-thirds of the total £25 million fund. The majority of Scottish Councils – some 18 – did not benefit from the announcement. Neighbouring councils to Dundee, such as Fife and Perth and Kinross did benefit and it is very concerning that Dundee’s bid for new houses for wheelchair users has not yet borne fruit.
The bulk of the funding has now been allocated to 14 councils, so there is going to be significant competition between the bids that have not had funding secured as yet for the remaining monies.
In my view, it is vital that Dundee gets allocated the £704 000 it needs to build new houses for wheelchair users, given that there is a significant waiting list for such housing and Dundee families are crying out for this new housing. Questions have to be asked of SNP Government and COSLA as to why Dundee was not included in the first tranche of funding allocations just announced, particularly given the real housing needs in the City.
I really hope and trust that Dundee gets allocated the funding in the remaining tranche of funding allocation due by the summer.
I really hope and trust that Dundee gets allocated the funding in the remaining tranche of funding allocation due by the summer.
It should be remembered that in the past year, Housing Association Grant for Dundee was reduced to £7.7 million by the SNP Government. This represents the poorest level of allocation in years – the 2007-8, the previous Liberal Democrat and Labour Executive’s allocation to Dundee was £14.7 million.
Dundee has already lost £7 million in annual house building funding thanks to the SNP and I think it is high time we saw Scottish Government take notice of Dundee’s housing needs.
Dundee has already lost £7 million in annual house building funding thanks to the SNP and I think it is high time we saw Scottish Government take notice of Dundee’s housing needs.