SALMOND ANNOUNCES NORTH EAST HOUSING BOOST

Gordon MSP Alex Salmond has hailed a Scottish Government announcement that will see a £1.35 million cash boost for Aberdeenshire homes as a "much-needed investment".

In his capacity as First Minister, Mr Salmond today announced that the Scottish Government is to build a further 1000 council houses across Scotland, in addition to the 2,300 homes already pledged.

The new investment stands in sharp contrast with the previous Labour / Lib-Dem administration, who only managed to build SIX council houses in their eight years in office – none of which were in the North East.

By the end of this round of funding, the SNP Scottish Government will have built 3,300 council houses across Scotland, with 306 of those in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

Commenting on the latest housing boost to the North East, Mr Salmond said:

“I am acutely aware of the difficulties faced by some of my constituents currently looking for accommodation in the North East. That’s why I am delighted for the SNP Scottish Government to provide an additional 45 much needed homes in Aberdeenshire.

“Years of Labour, Tory and Lib Dem housing neglect in Scotland have left housing lists in areas like the North East saturated. The 3,300 new affordable homes now pledged by the Scottish Government is in stark contrast to the previous Labour-led administration which only managed to build a meagre six council houses in the good times – the SNP is delivering social housing even in these tougher times.

“It’s not only housing stocks that are being protected for folk in North East as a result of this investment, but this funding will also provide a welcome boost for the construction industry just when it’s needed, with an estimated 1,200 jobs supported.”