The number of new homes built in Scotland has plummeted by 40 per cent since the SNP came to power, while help for first-time buyers has been slashed, according to Scottish Conservative candidate Jamie Greene.
At First Minister's Questions last week, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson attacked the reduction in support through Help to Buy, which the Scottish Government is planning to halve from £130 million to £65 million.
In addition, latest figures have revealed that while 25,741 new homes were completed in 2007, that fell to just 15,562 last year. In the recent autumn statement, Chancellor George Osborne unveiled the biggest homebuilding programme since the 1970s, and announced more support through the UK Government's Help to Buy scheme. In Scotland, the industry body -Homes for Scotland- welcomed the move, adding that it was in "marked contrast" to what the SNP is doing north of the border, making the scheme "less accessible to buyers".
Nicola Sturgeon has been challenged to commit to a similar level of help to first time buyers in Scotland.
Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Tories, joined Mr Greene’s call for more help for young first time buyers by commenting that "the SNP is slashing home building and heavily reducing its help to those trying to get onto the housing ladder. The number of new homes being built has dropped by 40 per cent since the SNP came to power, and £65 million has been ripped away from first-time buyers."
North Ayrshire candidate, Jamie Greene, added "As Homes for Scotland say, the Scottish government situation is in contrast to what's happening across the rest of the UK, where George Osborne is building more houses and extending help for those who simply want a place to call their own. Nicola Sturgeon has to explain why she is halving the support for those striving to get on the housing ladder. I too am a first time buyer and many of the people I chat to on the doorsteps are in a similar position. Rather than an ideological opposition to Help To Buy I hope that the SNP takes notice of the aspirations of young families and professionals across North Ayrshire. The opportunity to buy their own home is fundamental to the success of our towns and communities. "
Referring to the differences in strategy and policy between the parties, Mr Greene added "It's clear to me that whilst the Scottish Conservatives want to help hardworking people to get on in life and aspire to better things, the SNP would rather hold them back."