Sameer Bageen thinks that the land market was not working for affordable housing providers. He said that housing associations are at a particular disadvantage when they compete to buy land. For example, the current structure may value a particular piece of land at £3 million while a private developer can pay over £9 million.

He acknowledged the planning role in terms of land availability and that issues such as sustainability, density and public transport corridors, are critical in the success of new development. However, he does think that the Planning Framework is doing what it is supposed to do – at least most of the time.

He also believes that the MoD and other public organisations could make better use of their surplus land and that this could be used to provide affordable housing. He gave an example of a sustainable development in Vauban which was built on a former military base.

Helen Turley told the audience that homelessness is impacting on services across Perth and Kinross Council. Demand for housing is increasing and there are over 5,000 people on the current waiting list. The challenge of housing people on the waiting list is made worse as turnover is exceptionally low with 90% of their tenants happy with their homes. The council also face increased demand from new sources such as a new hospital and migrant workers.

She also said that the council are using a PSL scheme to use housing in the private rented sector. However, they are limiting its use to existing rented housing to ensure that its development will not cause market distortion.

She concluded the session by telling the audience that the affordable housing shortage sometimes means that the controversial assessment has to be made on “how homeless is homeless?”