by Kate Ramsden
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Fiona Smith
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A campaign is to be mounted to ensure that the
Scottish government provides sufficient funding
to meet its pledge to build new council houses and
to ensure that there are enough affordable homes
to meet the needs of the people of Scotland. Congress
also called for an end to stock transfer and for
restrictions on the "right to buy" legislation.
Congress slammed the failure of Public Private
Partnerships to provide fair employment practices
in the construction industry and demanded a commitment
to direct employment and proper apprenticeships,
to ensure that the construction of quality homes
will be an opportunity for Scottish workers to acquire
sustainable jobs and skills in the construction
industry.
Fiona Smith, UNISON told congress that whilst the
ongoing commitment from the Scottish Government
is welcome, it is important to look at what the
planned investment actually means. "The £25
million promised to Local Authorities for building
new council houses sounds like a good deal, but
when you consider that the housing budget has taken
a cut of 6% in real terms, Argyll and Bute's share
of the money, for example, will be the equivalent
of two houses per year. Clearly, the proof of the
pudding will be in the eating!"
Scotland's
public service union
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