An idea first pursued by American Civil Rights campaigner Dr Martin Luther King could hold the key to increasing the supply of affordable housing in Scotland according to the Scottish Liberal Democrats Rural Development Spokesperson Nora Radcliffe MSP. The scheme, which Mrs Radcliffe believes would give a major boost to the availability of affordable housing for purchase in rural areas, was first piloted by Dr King in the USA where it has gone on to help thousands of low and middle income families to get on the housing ladder.
Nora Radcliffe MSP
The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Gordon believes that Community Land Trusts (CLT) could help meet the growing demand for affordable housing across the country.

Announcing that the plans are to be launched at the Scottish Liberal Democrat Party Conference in February and are if approved will form a key part of the Liberal Democrat manifesto on housing, Nora Radcliffe MSP said:

”House prices in Scotland have risen to the point that average earners now need a mortgage of more than four times their salary. This is making it increasingly difficult for young people, and those on low and middle incomes to achieve their aspirations of buying their first home. The problem can be particularly acute in rural communities where average earnings tend to be lower and where a lack of supply has pushed house prices up significantly.

“The Scottish Liberal Democrats want to help people across Scotland to take their first step on the housing ladder. Developing Community Land Trusts across Scotland would be a major step forward and would particularly benefit people in rural communities.

“Community Land Trusts can empower local people to take action for themselves to meet affordable housing and community needs. By taking ownership of the land, communities are also able to come together to provide a range of affordable housing options including housing for rent, shared equity, and mutual home ownership schemes.

“CLTs have great potential to increase the ability of people on low to middle incomes to buy their own home. It addresses the issue of those people who fall between social housing and private home ownership. Many people can afford to pay rent but cannot afford to buy and CLTs plug that gap.”

“It was Martin Luther King’s vision that drove forward CLTs in America to address the problem of lack of availability of affordable homes. It is my dream today that we can take this idea and make it work for Scotland so that young people and those on low and middle incomes are able to buy their own home.”