Unite slams 'hidden agenda' in housing proposals
11th February 2009
In advance of the housing lobby at the Scottish parliament on
Thursday 12th February, Unite, Scotland’s biggest union, has called
for urgent action to safeguard vital jobs and services delivered by
housing associations.
The union is concerned that proposals within the current Scottish
government consultation on 'Investing in Affordable Housing' reveal
a 'hidden agenda' of cuts to services with registered social
landlords being asked to 'streamline' and to deliver
'efficiencies'.
The Scottish government's proposals could mean the country having
as few as five regional areas, and the distribution of housing
finance to one housing association per area to develop on behalf of
other social landlords. This is part of the Scottish government's
agenda to create a network of lead developers.
Unite Scottish secretary, John Quigley, said: "The SNP is proposing
a housing development strategy which plans to remove
community-based organisations from the heart of social housing. If
these proposals are approved then this will undoubtedly impact on
jobs and the quality of service provided.
"Unite will campaign vigorously against these proposals because
they place saving money as the primary objective ahead of quality
housing services, and we will continue to expose the hidden agenda
of the SNP government.
“Surely, the sole motivation, particularly at this testing time
for ordinary people, should be delivering the affordable homes that
Scotland needs with a workforce equipped and motivated to deliver
it."
ENDS
For further information contact Mark Di-Toro in the Unite press
office on 0207 420 8938 or Andrew Brady on 07810157922
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