Closure of Rural Housing Scotland must mean soul-searching for SNP ministers

Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire Angus MacDonald has today warned that that the news that the closure of Rural Housing Scotland must trigger soul-searching among SNP ministers after the leading charity dedicated to supporting Scotland’s rural communities in securing affordable local housing announced that it will close its doors after over 20 years of service.

In a statement on their website, the charity noted “The Scottish Government recently stopped financial support for organisations like ours.”

Commenting on the closure, Mr MacDonald said:

“Rural Scotland needs more housing and this charity have been at the forefront of making that case for more than 20 years. For this important voice to be silenced due to lack of funds when there is Scotland-wide housing crisis and a record number of children in temporary accommodation is extremely disappointing.

“Ensuring that everyone has a place to call home is a basic responsibility of any government. That’s why Scottish Liberal Democrats would build more homes, bring thousands of empty homes back into use and re-establish social rent as a valid, long-term option.

“I think there needs to be some real soul searching among Edinburgh-based ministers about what on earth their plan is for rural communities. Without affordable housing businesses can’t grow, public services can’t find the staff they need and the vibrancy of our communities is at risk.”