The SNP Government is playing catch-up to build more social rented houses.
The SNP committed to build over 6,000 new social-rented houses each year. However, statistics show that the SNP have missed this target each financial year whilst in Government.
Local MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire challenged the Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart on the Government’s missed targets and what efforts were being made to help increase social- rented housing in the Scottish Borders.
The Minister committed £62,678 million to the Scottish Borders and said a subsidy would be made available to help accommodate those families that need larger houses and disabled persons.
Only 330 social rented homes have been built in the last 7 financial years in the Scottish Borders.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: "The Borders is finally getting money to build social-rented houses after years of waiting.
"The Minister wants a pat on the back for being 7 years late, but the fact is people have been waiting in temporary accommodation for far too long and there are many living in homes that simply aren’t suitable.
"The SNP Government now need to work closely with the Scottish Borders Council to get the right social-rented homes built and ensure that local needs are met."