Calls for Moray Council to declare housing emergency amid increase of people on waiting list
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CALLS have been made for Moray Council to declare a housing emergency after figures revealed an increase in the number of people on the waiting list for a social home.
The figures, revealed by a Freedom of Information request sent by the Moray Liberal Democrats, showed a 15 per cent increase in the number of people waiting for council housing.
In January 2023 there were 2083 people on the list but just 12 months later that number had risen to 2410.
Neil Alexander, who has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Moray West constituency, says that the numbers underline the need for a housing emergency to be declared in the region.
He said: "It's time for action not just words from the council.
"We are facing a housing emergency in Moray with the number of people waiting on the council housing rapidly increasing in 2023.
"I’m calling for all Moray councillors to join me in declaring a housing emergency.
"This is an issue that should bring all party colours together to help tackle the problem."
Edinburgh, Glasgow and Argyll & Bute have all declared housing emergencies.
Meanwhile, Fife Council say they are "on the brink".
While Moray Council has acknowledged there is "high demand" for housing in the region, the local authority says that the challenges aren't as "acute" as those faced elsewhere in Scotland.
A spokesperson for Moray Council said: "Our services continue to assist those in greatest need and the challenges are not as acute as those being experienced by many other local authorities in Scotland.
"We have recently revised our allocations policy to give additional priority to applicants who experience domestic abuse and key workers, as well as ensuring veterans are not at a disadvantage when applying for housing, in line with Moray Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
"In terms of development of new affordable housing, delivery of our strategic investment plan will contribute to meet demand in Moray, with more than £18 million invested this year through combined spend from Scottish Government and Moray Council and Housing Associations.
"We were happy to recently announce that construction will begin on 219 affordable homes in the coming months."
Moray Council recently announced that it would increase rent for all of its homes in the region.
Mr Alexander has criticised the decision.
He added: "The private rental sector is capped at increasing rent by only 3 per cent, yet Moray Council as a landlord has increased it by over double at 7.7 per cent for all 6300 council homes in the area.
"I think it’s time that the local Conservative-led council started to prioritise the human cost of their cost-cutting and revenue increasing exercises."
The council says that the increase still leaves average rent levels among the lowest in Scotland adding that support is available to those who may be having trouble.
A spokesperson said: "Following the recently agreed rent increase, our average rent levels remain among the lowest in Scotland and offer the most affordable housing option in Moray, while additional support is being provided to tenants who are experiencing difficulties."
