This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6384355.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
MSPs to debate provision of homes MSPs to debate provision of homes
(about 7 hours later)
A housing charity is urging MSPs to put pressure on the Scottish Executive to build 30,000 new homes for rent.A housing charity is urging MSPs to put pressure on the Scottish Executive to build 30,000 new homes for rent.
Shelter said much more investment is needed if the executive is to meet its target to offer every homeless person in Scotland a flat to rent by 2012.Shelter said much more investment is needed if the executive is to meet its target to offer every homeless person in Scotland a flat to rent by 2012.
The charity said a quarter of MSPs had signed up to a motion calling for such investment, which is due to be debated at Holyrood. The charity said a quarter of MSPs had signed a motion calling for investment.
The executive said it was already investing £1.2bn in 21,500 new homes. The executive, which is staging a debate on the subject at Holyrood, said it was already investing £1.2bn in 21,500 new homes.
A spokesman said it had also set up a shared equity scheme to help poor families buy their homes and it was trying to address some of the social problems that go with homelessness.A spokesman said it had also set up a shared equity scheme to help poor families buy their homes and it was trying to address some of the social problems that go with homelessness.
Politicians must realise that we cannot afford to brush housing need underneath the carpet Archie StoddartShelter ScotlandPoliticians must realise that we cannot afford to brush housing need underneath the carpet Archie StoddartShelter Scotland
The executive is ahead of most other countries in Europe in promising that by 2012, every unintentionally homeless person will be offered an affordable home. The executive is ahead of most other countries in Europe in promising that by 2012, every unintentionally homeless person will be offered a home.
Shelter Scotland director Archie Stoddart said: "We need all MSPs to put pressure on the Scottish Executive to ensure that 2007 is the year that we invest in Scotland's housing future. It's time to get a move in.Shelter Scotland director Archie Stoddart said: "We need all MSPs to put pressure on the Scottish Executive to ensure that 2007 is the year that we invest in Scotland's housing future. It's time to get a move in.
"Politicians must realise that we cannot afford to brush housing need underneath the carpet - not with thousands of people stuck on waiting lists or in temporary accommodation, and an internationally acclaimed homelessness target to give everyone the right to a home by 2012.""Politicians must realise that we cannot afford to brush housing need underneath the carpet - not with thousands of people stuck on waiting lists or in temporary accommodation, and an internationally acclaimed homelessness target to give everyone the right to a home by 2012."
'No let up''No let up'
The executive spokesman said: "We have doubled investment in affordable housing since 2003.The executive spokesman said: "We have doubled investment in affordable housing since 2003.
"Our £1.2bn programme is providing 21,500 good quality affordable homes over three years."Our £1.2bn programme is providing 21,500 good quality affordable homes over three years.
"We are determined to maintain this progress and are working with local authorities, housing associations and others to free up more land and investment. There can be no let up.""We are determined to maintain this progress and are working with local authorities, housing associations and others to free up more land and investment. There can be no let up."
The spokesman added that this year alone £487m was being spent, providing 7,100 homes.The spokesman added that this year alone £487m was being spent, providing 7,100 homes.
He said rural communities were getting a record share of the funds, with almost 30% - about £139m - going to such areas.He said rural communities were getting a record share of the funds, with almost 30% - about £139m - going to such areas.
Spending beyond 2008 will be decided by the next administration following May's elections.Spending beyond 2008 will be decided by the next administration following May's elections.