Commission calls for radical action on Scottish housing crisis

An independent commission has said Scotland’s housing policy needs radical action to help deal with poverty and inequality.

The Commission on Housing and Wellbeing was established two years ago by the charity Shelter.

Its latest report called on the Scottish government to increase the number of new homes being built to 23,000 a year.

The Scottish government said housing “is at the heart” of its ambitions.

The commission said ignoring its recommendations would lead to a deepening of the current “crisis”.

Some 15,500 homes were constructed in 2013-14, according to government figures.

The commission claimed a wider house-building programme would create jobs and bring significant health and education benefits.