Edinburgh in support of Shelter’s adequate housing campaign

Edinburgh Council has announced that they are in support of Shelter Scotland’s ‘Are You With Us’ campaign to provide everyone with the right to adequate housing. 

The Are You With Us campaign launched in August 2019 and is campaigning for new laws which enhance and protect the right to safe, secure and affordable homes.

The campaign was launched after research conducted by YouGov revealed 76% of those surveyed were in support of a new law being created in Scotland for adequate housing, with 78% believing that there should be stronger human rights in relation to housing.

Cllr Kate Campbell, housing, homelessness and fair work convener said: ‘We believe that everyone should have the right to a safe, warm home that they can afford.

‘The Councils Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee agreed a motion to show support for Shelter Scotland’s campaign.

‘There is enormous pressure on housing in Edinburgh and we’ve absolutely prioritised finding ways to alleviate that pressure.

‘We’ve committed to building 20,000 affordable homes over 10 years, with over 2,000 homes currently under construction on over 35 sites across the city.

‘Our Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan is also about getting to a place where the number of homeless presentations is equal to the number of homes available every year, and people who do become homeless can move straight into a permanent, settled home.

‘We’ve also improved temporary accommodation and increased the number of flats for families, we’ve introduced Rapid Access Accommodation to break down barriers to people who are rough sleeping so it is easier to access help and support.’

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: ‘Too many people in Scotland don’t have access to the basic right of a decent and affordable home, which is simply wrong in the 21st century and in one of the world’s wealthiest countries.

‘There are more than 14,000 homeless children currently in Scotland and 11,000 households in temporary accommodation.

‘The evidence is clear – people’s rights to a home need to be significantly strengthened.

‘Through this campaign, we want the people of Scotland to know that a good home is their right, not a privilege, and it should be law.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay