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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Improvements to shared equity housing scheme

    PRESS RELEASE : Improvements to shared equity housing scheme

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 17 August 2022.

    Veterans and disabled people among those to benefit.

    Changes to a shared equity scheme will mean disabled people, first-time buyers and others on low to medium incomes will have an increased opportunity to buy a home that meets their needs.

    From today, the threshold of the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme – which allows people to buy a home without having to fund its entire cost – has been raised by 9% across the country to reflect rising house prices. The scheme is aimed at priority groups who need support to buy their own home.

    Applicants will also be able to make offers on properties above the formal valuation amount, where they have funds available. People who have an application in progress do not need to reapply to benefit from the changes.

    Housing Secretary Shona Robison said:

    “These are positive changes which will put applicants on a more level playing field with other buyers when purchasing an affordable home.

    “We are well aware of the rise in house prices and we have listened to people’s feedback. That is why we are acting to make the process fairer and to offer a helping hand in challenging times.

    “Our evidence-based approach ensures that the scheme continues to be targeted at priority groups and to ensure that, across Scotland, all areas are able to benefit from a viable scheme with a reasonable number of purchases.

    “The Scottish Government delivered 111,750 affordable homes between 2007 and 2022, with more than 78,000 for social rent. Progress has started towards our next ambitious target of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which 70% will be for social rent and 10% in remote, rural and island communities.”

    Background

    Thresholds are set at the lowest 25% of house prices in urban areas and the lowest 50% of house prices in rural areas. A further review to the threshold will take place in December to determine any further changes that are needed for 2023.

    Through the Open Market Shared Equity scheme people can buy a home without having to fund its entire cost. Buyers pay for the biggest share which is usually between 60% and 90% of the home’s cost. The Scottish Government will hold the remaining share under a shared equity agreement.

    The OMSE scheme is available across Scotland. It’s open to first-time buyers and these priority access groups:

    – people aged 60 and over

    – social renters (people who rent from the council or a housing association)

    – disabled people

    – members of the armed forces

    – veterans who have left the armed forces within the past two years

    – widows, widowers and other partners of service personnel for up to two years after their partner has lost their life while serving

  • PRESS RELEASE : National strategy for NHS eco-sustainability

    PRESS RELEASE : National strategy for NHS eco-sustainability

    The press released issued by the Scottish Government on 16 August 2022.

    Making the service net-zero by 2040.

    A new national strategy, aiming to make the NHS environmentally sustainable, has been launched at Scotland’s first low-carbon new-build hospital.

    The Balfour Hospital, in Kirkwall, Orkney, is fully electric with air-to-water heat pumps generating all hot water and heating, and has solar panels to reduce reliance on the grid.

    The NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy targets five crucial areas for achieving net-zero:

    buildings – ensure well insulated, efficient and using renewable heating systems
    travel – low emission, electric vehicles and making it easier for staff, patients visitor to travel to NHS sites by public transport or bicycle
    goods and services – cutting emission in the supply chain, reducing the goods and materials used as well as reducing use of single use instruments
    care – reduce the use of emissions from medicines such as metered dose inhalers or anaesthetic gases
    communities – how to support communities to adapt to climate change and encourage them to make use of the greenspace in hospital grounds
    From next year reports will be published annually setting out the progress made in implementing the strategy.

    Visiting the Balfour Hospital, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

    “As we continue our efforts to push ahead with the recovery of health and social care after the challenges of the last two years, we need to think long-term about how to make services more sustainable. With such a large estate, environmental sustainability is a key part of that for the NHS, so I’m pleased to be able to launch this strategy today.

    “Our approach will help us to build on the great work which has already been done to accelerate our efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and become environmentally sustainable. As well as the environmental impacts, I am also very mindful of the recent increase in energy prices, and there is a clear benefit in reducing energy use and increasing efficiency in everything we do.

    “To achieve the transformational change that is necessary we need to establish a culture where resources are safeguarded and used responsibly. With that in mind I have been really impressed with what I have seen in Orkney. The team here are driving forward innovative ways to ensure they have low carbon emissions.”

    Michael Dickson, Chief Executive of NHS Orkney Chief Executive, said:

    “We have been delighted to show Mr Yousaf around the fantastic facilities we have here in Orkney. It is testament to the whole community how committed we are to building a sustainable future.

    “We are proud to be leading the way in new hospital and healthcare buildings with sustainability being at the forefront of planning.”

    Background

    NHS Scotland Climate Emergency & Sustainability Strategy is aiming to make the NHS environmentally sustainable

    NHS Orkney are further cutting emissions through their trial of an onsite treatment facility to handle low risk clinical waste, which was previously sent to the mainland for treatment.

    The Balfour’s grounds are also being used for the community’s benefits giving a space for staff, patients and the wider community to rest, relax, recover and carry out recreational gardening activities.

    NHS Scotland’s local Health Boards’ building emissions decreased by 64% between 1989/90 and 2020/21.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Summit with energy suppliers and consumers

    PRESS RELEASE : Summit with energy suppliers and consumers

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 16 August 2022.

    First Minister to convene roundtable on the growing cost emergency.

    The First Minister will convene an urgent summit with energy supply companies and consumer groups later this month, to discuss how advice and support for people struggling with energy bills can be improved.

    The summit will consider what collective action can be taken by government, energy companies and the third sector to help businesses and consumers access advice, and get support with debt issues.

    Scotland’s major energy suppliers including Scottish Power, OVO Energy, Centrica, Octopus and E.ON, as well as industry bodies and key consumer and poverty organisations will attend.

    The summit follows last week’s meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Committee on the cost living crisis and will take place ahead of OfGem’s next energy price cap announcement on 26 August.

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

    “I know that this is an incredibly unsettling time for households and energy consumers across Scotland and the Scottish Government will continue to do everything we can to support those affected.

    “There is a not a single solution to this problem and government, industry and the third sector in Scotland needs to work collaboratively together to ensure the right support is in place for householders and businesses during this challenging winter. This could include improving the availability of help and advice and considering a more compassionate approach to debt management.

    “However, it remains the case that the powers and resources needed to tackle this emergency on the scale required – access to borrowing, welfare, VAT on fuel, taxation of windfall profits, regulation of the energy market – lie with the UK Government. Only the UK Government can access and make available resources on the scale required. They need to take action, now.

    “As I said last week, a first step would be to cancel the energy price cap rise this autumn.”

    Peter Kelly, Director, The Poverty Alliance said:

    “We are pleased that the First Minister will be convening this summit of energy companies, along with the Poverty Alliance and Energy Action Scotland.

    “Across the country, people are increasingly being swept up amid a rising tide of hardship. But with the energy price cap due to increase in October, that tide threatens to become a flood.

    “Households up and down Scotland are terrified of what the colder months will bring and the likelihood is that – without further action – lives and life chances will be at risk. The situation could scarcely be more urgent.

    “But it is a situation we can do something about, by taking action to protect people most at risk of poverty and deeper hardship. It is that much-needed and urgent action that we are hoping the summit can bring about.”

    Frazer Scott, CEO of Energy Action Scotland said:

    “With our colleagues at the Poverty Alliance, we welcome the First Minister’s intervention in gathering energy companies together to talk about how we can best support households struggling to afford spiralling energy bills.

    “Fuel poverty will affect over one million Scottish households this winter requiring urgent intervention focussed on targeting those most in need.

    “Cold, damp homes affect health and wellbeing and will put thousands of lives at risk as well as adding additional pressure to the NHS, making this a vital intervention for Scotland.”

    Background

    The Scottish Government estimates that 906,000 or 36% of all households will be in fuel poverty in October 2022, based on an Ofgem price cap of £2,800 and taking into account previously announced government mitigations.

    The Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee met on Thursday 11 August to discuss the cost emergency and agreed a number of actions.

    Householders can access free and impartial support through Home Energy Scotland to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Home Energy Scotland can be contacted on their freephone number 0808 808 2282 or via the Home Energy Scotland website.

    The Scottish Government has expanded the capacity of its Home Energy Scotland advice service this year to help an extra 12,000 households a year.

    The Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year that will help households face the increased cost of living. This includes the provision of services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK that is helping to reduce everyday costs and increase incomes.

    It also includes £10 million to continue our Fuel Insecurity Fund – to help households at risk of severely rationing their energy use, or self-disconnecting entirely. This includes direct support for households using any tariff or fuel type, and is delivered via trusted third sector partners – the Fuel Bank Foundation, Advice Direct Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : One year until Scotland’s deposit return scheme

    PRESS RELEASE : One year until Scotland’s deposit return scheme

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 16 August 2022.

    Recycling initiative will help deliver a circular economy.

    Scotland’s deposit return scheme will go live for consumers in one year’s time (16 August 2023), giving businesses and consumers an easy way to boost recycling.

    The scheme, which will be the first in the UK, will play an important part in Scotland’s journey to a circular economy. Estimates by Zero Waste Scotland suggest that the scheme will reduce emissions by an average of nearly 160,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – the equivalent of 109,000 return flights from Edinburgh to New York.

    The 20p deposit will also provide an incentive to reduce littering, helping to cut the number of bottles and cans discarded in streets and green spaces.

    The scheme is being delivered by Circularity Scotland Ltd., an industry-led body representing drinks producers, retailers and trade bodies of all sizes. This business-led approach is common among many of the most successful schemes in Europe, include Denmark, Finland, and The Netherlands.

    Infrastructure for the scheme is now beginning to be rolled out across Scotland, and businesses of all sizes are being encouraged to act now to make sure they are ready for the scheme launching this time next year.

    Businesses can register with Circularity Scotland, to make sure they receive information that will help them prepare.

    The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), who are the regulator for the scheme, has also launched a campaign that will help businesses understand their legal responsibilities and the steps they need to take to prepare.

    Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said:

    “Scotland is leading the way in the UK on delivering a circular economy. By putting in place a deposit return scheme, we are delivering on the public’s desire to see action on plastic and other waste, and making an important contribution to the response to the climate emergency.

    “With thousands of return points across the country, it will be as easy to return your empty bottle or can as it was to buy it in the first place. This will help to nearly double recycling rates for the containers included in the scheme, while reducing the amount of litter on our streets and cutting CO2 emissions.

    “This scheme is being delivered by industry for industry. By putting businesses in charge, we are making sure that it works for them. With one year to go until the scheme goes live for consumers, I would encourage all businesses and organisations that produce, ship or sell drinks to get involved with the scheme now.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : A meeting was held in the President’s Office with the chief prosecutor in the case of Slobodan Milošević, at which the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine was discussed

    PRESS RELEASE : A meeting was held in the President’s Office with the chief prosecutor in the case of Slobodan Milošević, at which the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine was discussed

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 19 August 2022.

    Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Smyrnov and Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anton Korynevych met in the Office of the President with British barrister Geoffrey Nice, who was the lead prosecutor in the case of ex-President of Serbia Slobodan Milošević at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. The parties discussed the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, which will organize the trial of the highest political and military leadership of the Russian Federation.

    “I consider this a completely logical initiative and fully share the need to create an international tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression by Russia’s political leadership. I’m sure it can be created quickly. And I want to wish Ukraine to move towards the creation of the court energetically, regardless of any skeptical assessments. The Milošević case says that even the highest official will sooner or later be punished for his crimes. This fully applies to Vladimir Putin as well,” said Geoffrey Nice.

    Andriy Smyrnov emphasized that the establishment of the Special Tribunal and the punishment of all members of the Security Council of Russia is key to the future system of international law.

    “If today we do not show the whole world that the crime of aggression is severely punished, if we do not bring Vladimir Putin and his entire clique to criminal responsibility, tomorrow any dictator can make territorial claims to any country in the world. And the international security system can be forever forgotten,” Andriy Smyrnov said.

    Anton Korynevych, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that Russia’s attack on Ukraine is the biggest aggression and caused the largest war in Europe since the end of World War II, and therefore the creation of a Special Tribunal, which will be responsible for trial of the higher political and military leadership of the Russian Federation for committing the crime of aggression against Ukraine is an appropriate legal response to this brutal invasion.

    It bears reminding that Ukraine undertook the initiative to create a Special Tribunal, which will prosecute members of the Security Council of Russia for committing the crime of aggression against our state. Previously, the creation of such a tribunal was supported by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Greater Manchester becomes first major conurbation outside London to cap bus fares

    PRESS RELEASE : Greater Manchester becomes first major conurbation outside London to cap bus fares

    The press release issued by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on 17 August 2022.

    Greater Manchester residents will be better off when travelling by bus from next month when new lower fares are launched.

    The plan for lower, simpler fares has been brought forward a year by Mayor Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester’s leaders to help ease the current cost-of-living crisis.

    It will save bus passengers around 50 per cent on some journeys and is the biggest change to Greater Manchester’s bus network since deregulation 36 years ago.

    With dozens of different ticket types available and costs varying by operator, it will provide certainty over the cost of travel for more than two thirds of people in the city-region concerned about the cost-of-living crisis.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The introduction of lower, simpler fares across our bus network signifies the biggest shake-up of our bus system in close to 40 years and comes at a critical time.

    “Hundreds of thousands of households across Greater Manchester are deeply worried about money, with fears of even higher bills just around the corner.

    “As the most used form of public transport, with around 2.5million trips every week across the city-region, introducing lower fares for bus passengers is the best way we can help the most people with the cost of travel right now.

    “Coupled with the extension of Our Pass, which provides free travel for 16 – 18-year-olds, we are taking steps to make an immediate and tangible difference to people’s lives by putting money back into their pockets.

    “While this is the right thing to do, we cannot at this point guarantee that this new fare structure will be permanent. It will be reviewed annually. But the more that people use the buses, the more likely it is that we will be able to sustain it.”

    From September, Greater Manchester’s new-look bus system will be supported by a package of local and national contributions. The move to lower fares is supported by Government funding through the Bus Service Improvement Plan. However, the ending of Covid-19 funding in October means the Mayor and GM leaders have had to step in to stabilise the city-region’s bus network by finding funding to save dozens of bus routes and services that were set to be withdrawn or reduced. £135 million of local funding has also been allocated to support the transition to bus franchising.

    Given the considerable uncertainty over public transport funding going forward, the Mayor and Leaders have agreed to carry out an annual review of the new fare structure to ensure that it is financially sustainable.

    Mayor Burnham added: “Bringing our buses back under public control is an essential step towards creating the Bee Network – our vision for a London-style integrated transport system. When fully operational in 2025, we will extend the daily cap on fares to cover bus and tram. But we will only be able to make the Bee Network what we all want it to be if people support public transport by committing to use it as it improves.

    “That’s why I’m today urging everyone in Greater Manchester to Get On Board with this crucial journey for our city-region to a better transport system. You can help us build the Bee Network, keep fares permanently low and save yourself money at this difficult time by taking up this new offer.”

    From 4 September, an adult single bus ticket within Greater Manchester will cost no more than £2, with a child ticket single set to cost no more than £1. All day travel in Greater Manchester across any bus operator will cost no more than £5 for an adult and £2.50 for a child.

    Currently there are more than 25 single adult fares that cost more than £2 and over 30 single child fares that cost more than £1.

    The lower fares will also be available to Local Link customers. Local Link offers a flexible transport service for local journeys in areas where public transport services are limited.

    Cllr Amanda Chadderton, Oldham Council Leader and GMCA Lead for Equalities, Inclusion and Cohesion, said: “The impact the cost of living crisis is having on people’s finances can’t be underestimated. That’s why I’m thrilled to see these new lower fares being introduced to make a real difference to the cost of bus journeys across Greater Manchester.

    “Coupled with the Metrolink that connects towns like Oldham to other parts of Greater Manchester we have a fantastic public transport network that I encourage people to take advantage of. These lower bus fares add even more value for money when times are tough for many.

    “With energy prices set to increase even further this winter and the cost of everyday items continuing to rise our focus must be on continuing to make changes like this that will keep money in people’s pockets.”

    To ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the new clear and simple low bus fares and how to take advantage of them, the Mayor today (Wednesday, 17 August) launched the #GetOnBoard campaign – and is calling on people across Greater Manchester to support the building of the new Bee Network by switching to public transport and helping make the new fare system financially sustainable in the long term.

    Gary Nolan, Chief Executive of OneBus, the Greater Manchester Bus Operators Association, said: “Buses are relied upon by communities everywhere to get around.

    “These new lower fares add to a range of value products already available from local bus companies and System One, and will not only help all those worried about household bills, they will boost bus use and help our operators that are also struggling with significantly higher running costs.

    “This is good news for local bus companies and all who use them, and we are pleased to support it.”

    Full details of the new low fares are available via tfgm.com/get-on-board or by searching for the #GetOnBoard hashtag on social media.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement from the Mayor of Greater Manchester following Avanti talks

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement from the Mayor of Greater Manchester following Avanti talks

    The press release issued by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on 17 August 2022.

    Following a meeting with the senior management of Avanti West Coast today (Wednesday 17 August), alongside the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Luthfur Rahman and Transport Commissioner, Vernon Everitt, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

    “Today we met Avanti to discuss the downgrading of the timetable for its services between Greater Manchester and London.

    “We made clear to them in no uncertain terms our deep unhappiness at the way in which our city-region has been treated.

    “The severe reduction of services at this time of year is seriously detrimental to our economy. Avanti’s decision to take this action without any prior consultation or even notification shows a lack of respect for our city-region and its people, businesses and visitors.

    “We have asked Avanti to produce a recovery plan that helps passengers in the short-term but which also commits to providing more trains per hour between Greater Manchester and London as quickly as possible.

    “In the immediate term, we have asked Avanti to consider the declassification of trains – suspending first class restrictions – to make more seats available on the booking system at an affordable price.

    “We also called for much clearer communications with customers about how and when to purchase tickets and for an end to the inflammatory language which is damaging workforce relations.

    “More broadly, we asked them for a timetable to return to the previous levels of service as soon as possible and a firm commitment that we will not find ourselves in such a position ever again.

    “When we receive Avanti’s plan, we will consider whether it is acceptable for our residents and businesses and, if it isn’t, we made it clear to the company that we will ask the new Prime Minister to strip them of this contract.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : People First Zone at heart of plans to transform Glasgow city centre

    PRESS RELEASE : People First Zone at heart of plans to transform Glasgow city centre

    The press release issued by Glasgow City Council on 1 August 2022.

    A People First Zone where people would have priority over vehicles has been placed at the heart of plans to transform Glasgow city centre.

    The proposal for a People First Zone intends to create an area of high-quality public realm in the city centre that encourages walking, wheeling and cycling while still providing access for disabled drivers, pick up and drop off at key transport hubs and business deliveries.

    Proposed as part of an overall City Centre Transformation Plan (CCTP), the People First Zone would cover an area bounded by Hope Street, Cowcaddens Road, North Hanover Street, Glassford Street and Howard Street. The zone would also tie in with the proposed masterplans for the Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre and is designed to ensure drivers can still access the multi-storey car parks that circle the city centre.

    Within the zone, crossing points would ensure pedestrians have less distance and more time to cross the road in an environment that is quieter and cleaner. Rebalancing how street space is used in the city centre would also allow for a growth in civic spaces, pocket parks, parklets and street cafes.

    The overall CCTP has now been laid out for consultation with views to be gathered from the public over the next six weeks. With a focus on creating a people-friendly city centre transport network, the CCTP is expected to support the economic vibrancy of the city centre, help Glasgow’s transition to net-zero, improve residents’ health, well-being and quality of life while also offering an enhanced experience for visitors.

    Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, believes the CCTP is crucial to the future of Glasgow city centre at a time when cities the world over are still grappling with transformation in shopping habits created by the internet and the impact of the covid pandemic.

    Councillor Aitken said: “We want our city centre to reach its true potential as a place where people want to live, work and visit.

    “Cities all around the world are still coming to terms with the effects of on-line shopping and the shock of covid. But cities everywhere are successfully transforming their centres to become more attractive, liveable spaces and Glasgow should be no different.

    “We can move away from an area which is car-dominated to one that is healthier for all who use it and which will contribute to our active travel and net-zero targets. Much less traffic, but better connectivity, would deliver real benefits for city businesses, as well as residents and visitors.”

    “This is a chance for Glaswegians to imagine a centre that is focused on the needs of people and is environmentally-friendly. The city centre would become an urban heart people want to spend time in, rather than just pass through. I urge people to share their views through this consultation as that will help shape our plans for the future of our city centre.”

    The public consultation on the draft CCTP will include an online survey to participate in at: connectingcommunities@glasgow.gov.uk and a number of online / in-person sessions for a range of city centre groups and organisations.

    The CCTP is an update of the existing City Centre Transport Strategy and will play a key role in ensuring that transport plans for the city centre help deliver the aims shared by other strategies to ensure that the area is attractive for residents, workers, students, businesses, visitors and investors. More detail on the draft CCTP is available at: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/city-centre-transformation-plan.

    The CCTP has been supported by Sustrans funding, with other similarly supported transport strategies also under current development being the Active Travel Strategy and the Liveable Neighbourhoods Plan.

    Karen McGregor, Portfolio Director for Sustrans said: “The CCTP will be an absolute game-changer for walking, wheeling, and cycling in Glasgow, making our streets safer, cleaner and more enjoyable for everyone. The plan also neatly links in with a number of other high-profile projects we’re delivering in partnership with Glasgow City Council, including improved active travel routes from Govanhill in the south and from Woodside in the north, creating a truly active and accessible network across the city.”

    After consultation and engagement with a wide range of groups in 2020 and 2021, an emerging purpose for the City Centre Transformation Plan developed: the provision of a clear framework for transport decision-making in Glasgow city centre, with the following key aims:

    · The re-allocation of road space in the city centre for active travel and green infrastructure;

    · The delivery of improved public transport and support/encourage a shift to more sustainable modes, particularly walking, cycling and public transport, with a target of 80% of peak-time travel to the city centre being made by active travel and public transport by 2030;

    · Improved access for the mobility-impaired;

    · Seeking to achieve a 30% reduction in peak-hour private car traffic in the city centre by 2030;

    · The delivery of improvements for servicing (e.g. goods, deliveries and waste collection) to improve the vitality of Glasgow city centre;

    · Supporting a doubling of Glasgow city centre’s population by 2035; and

    · Supporting Glasgow’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.

    Further aims for the CCTP are a more accessible city centre, where people with limited or restricted mobility can enjoy safe and ready access; and a place where walking should be the main way of travelling around, and where more people choose to cycle into and around it. Other aims for the city centre include cleaner, greener and less congested streets; efficient, reliable and integrated public transport; and a place where goods are moved and delivered efficiently and sustainably.

    A number of confirmed and aspirational projects will help deliver the CCTP’s aims, including George Square and the wider Avenues and Avenues Plus programme; the People First Zone; the Low Emission Zone; the transformation of the Broomielaw and Clyde Waterfront; people-friendly streets; and the proposed Mitchell Plaza and Charing Cross scheme.

    The CCTP aligns with other key strategies such as the Connectivity Commission, the City Centre Strategic Development Framework, Glasgow’s Climate Plan, the City Centre Living Strategy Vision 2035 and the District Regeneration Frameworks.

    After the consultation, the CCTP will come back for final committee consideration in late 2022.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Glasgow continues trend in the reduction of Vacant and Derelict Land in the city

    PRESS RELEASE : Glasgow continues trend in the reduction of Vacant and Derelict Land in the city

    The press release issued by Glasgow City Council on 4 August 2022.

    A Glasgow City Council committee today learned about the continued fall in the amount of Vacant and Derelict Land (VDL) in the city and approved the acceptance of the 2022/23 Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) award to the city from the Scottish Government.

    The committee also received an update on the council’s applications to Scottish Government’s Vacant and derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP), and to accept two VDLIP offers of grant.

    The total level of vacant and derelict land in Glasgow in 2021 stood at 880 hectares, a reduction of 6% (59 hectares, equivalent to 80 full-sized football pitches) on the 2020 figure. The number of vacant and derelict sites fell from 675 to 644.

    New housing saw the development of 20 hectares of previously VDL sites – notably from public sector housing-led regeneration projects such as Transformational Regeneration Areas (TRAs) or the Affordable Housing Supply Programme – with other new uses including retail, recreation, greenspace, and leisure.

    The VDLF is a ring-fenced budget allocated to five local authorities, including Glasgow, for the purpose of bringing vacant land into beneficial use in accordance with council and Scottish Government objectives. Glasgow and the four other local authorities have consistently had the highest concentration of urban vacant and derelict land of any areas in Scotland, and Glasgow received an allocation from the VDLF of £2.159million for 2022/23.

    The Scottish Government’s objectives for the 2022/23 VDLF Programme are: tackling long-term (more than 15 years) Vacant and Derelict Land; stimulate economic growth and job creation; developing a diverse sustainable environment with a focus on either permanent or temporary greenspace; and supporting communities to flourish and tackle inequalities. The council has put forward seven projects in Glasgow for consideration of funding support, which together have the potential to transform at least 25 hectares of VDL into productive use.

    In December 2020, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Land Commission jointly announced the £50million, five-year Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) – open to local authorities to apply under a competitive bid system – and assessed through the following criteria: sustained place-based approaches; urban green spaces; community-led regeneration; and low-carbon developments and renewables.

    From the latest round of VDLIP funding, two Glasgow projects were successful: Hamiltonhill Green Infrastructure – redevelopment of a long-term derelict school site as part of a housing-led Green Infrastructure masterplan with Queens Cross Housing Association. £924,911 award (profiled over 2022/23); and Ruchazie Greening and Growing – to transform two former primary school sites into attractive, usable community spaces, with Seven Lochs Wetland Park. £670,000 award (£185,000 in 2022/23; £240,000 in 2023/24; £245,000 in 2024/25).

    In May, the Scottish Government opened the 2023/24 round for Stage 1 VDLIP applications, with a closing date of 24 June. The council, working with local organisations, submitted 12 bids to this round. Shortlisting is expected in August, with Stage 2 submissions required by October and funding awards notified in November/December.

    Councillor Kenny McLean, Convener for Land Use at Glasgow City Council, said: “The continued reduction in vacant and derelict land in the city is a real success story for Glasgow. The new uses being made at the – now productive – sites across the city undoubtedly bring us economic, environmental and social benefits, and highlight the progress being made in regenerating many different areas. The grant support for the projects in Hamiltonhill and Ruchazie will continue this progress, benefiting local people and organisations.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Council given update on Glasgow’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme

    PRESS RELEASE : Council given update on Glasgow’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme

    The press release issued by Glasgow City Council on 4 August 2022.

    Glasgow City Council was today given an update on the delivery of the city’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP), and how it will bring thousands of new affordable homes to Glasgow over the next four years.

    The council will allocate almost £104million to housing associations and private developers to build new affordable homes in the city in 2022/23.

    Glasgow’s AHSP takes into account the priorities identified within Glasgow’s Housing Strategy 2017-2022, and the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2022-2027.

    The environment around homebuilding is currently very challenging, with Brexit, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine impacting costs, particularly in fuel and energy, as well as in the labour market and the supply chain.

    Despite these challenges, 879 new affordable homes were completed through the AHSP in 2021/22, with work on 795 beginning, and approval given for 531. Just over £3million was spent on medical adaptations for housing association homes.

    The council today approved the budget for the 2022/23 financial year, with a target of 919 completed new affordable homes, work beginning on 665, and approval expected for 691. It is expected that a similar sum will be spent on medical adaptations over this period.

    Councillor Kenny McLean, Convener for Housing at Glasgow City Council,said: “The Affordable Housing Supply Programme is absolutely essential to the building of new affordable homes in Glasgow, benefiting thousands of people and families. The approval of the budget for this financial year means that more of these homes can be built, improving the quality of life for all of those living in them, and contributing to the regeneration of communities all across the city.”

    The Scottish Government issued the council with Resource Planning Assumptions (RPAs) for the 2022/23 – 2025/26 period, providing certainty that allows plans to be put in place for how affordable housing in Glasgow will be delivered in that time. The RPAs are as follows: 2022/23 (£103.934million); 2023/24 (£103.638million); 2024/25 (£104.001million); and 2025/26 (£105.724million).