Body 'shakes up' housing sector

Concerns have been raised about the number of empty homes

A body charged with tackling Scotland's housing shortage will drive change in the sector, ministers have said.

The housing supply task force, which has met for the first time, will take a head-on approach rather than "producing reports", the government has claimed.

Chaired by Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell, the task force comprises representatives from councils, house building and housing associations.

Demand for homes is not being matched by adequate supply, ministers said.

Average house prices rose by 72% between 2002 and 2006, but only 2% more homes were built in 2006 than in 2002, according to the Scottish Executive.

Waiting lists

Mr Maxwell said: "The Scottish government wants to see an increase in the number of homes that are being built across all sectors.

"I want this task force to shake up the current systems. Its focus will be on driving action where change is needed, rather than producing reports."

Group member Archie Stoddart, director of the housing charity Shelter Scotland, said the task force must work to increase the level of good quality, affordable rented housing in Scotland.

"It cannot become a way of kicking into the long grass vital decisions on spending," he said.

"With hundreds of thousands of people on waiting lists or in temporary accommodation, the time is now to deliver the housing Scotland needs."