Local councils strive to utilize a decade-old fund for urgent housing needs.
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In the north-east of Scotland, local council leaders are racing against time to access a £20 million housing infrastructure fund that has remained largely untapped since its inception in 2016. This fund was established as part of the 10-year Aberdeen City Region Deal, aimed at kick-starting affordable housing projects in the region.
However, with only a year left before the deal expires, concerns are mounting about the potential loss of this critical financial resource.
Background of the housing infrastructure fund
The housing infrastructure fund was designed to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the north-east, a region that has faced significant challenges in this area.
Despite the fund’s potential to support the construction of approximately 200 new affordable homes, local authorities have struggled to unlock the necessary funds. David Dunne, a strategic place planning officer for the city council, acknowledged the difficulties faced in accessing the fund, stating that previous applications had been unsuccessful due to stringent eligibility criteria.
Challenges faced by local councils
Both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils have expressed frustration over their inability to secure funding from the housing infrastructure fund. Councillor Miranda Radley, Aberdeen’s housing chief, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the region is currently experiencing a housing emergency. The councils have made several attempts to apply for funding, but feedback from the government has indicated that their proposals did not meet the required criteria. This has led to a sense of urgency among council leaders, who are now seeking clearer guidance on how to navigate the application process.
Collaborative efforts to unlock funding
In light of these challenges, both councils have decided to collaborate and reach out to the Scottish Government for assistance. They plan to request a meeting to discuss the eligibility criteria and explore potential pathways to access the much-needed funds. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government emphasized that funding allocations depend on proposals submitted by local authorities, reiterating the importance of meeting the established criteria. The councils remain hopeful that with clearer guidance and a united front, they can finally unlock the £20 million fund to address the housing crisis in the north-east.
As the deadline approaches, the pressure is on for local authorities to act swiftly and effectively. The potential benefits of this funding are immense, and the community’s need for affordable housing has never been more critical. With collaborative efforts and a renewed focus on meeting the necessary criteria, there is still hope that this vital resource can be utilized to improve housing conditions in the region.
