Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, has welcomed new figures for Scotland’s housing market which show that 1,921 homes were completed in East Lothian and Midlothian in 2022/23.
New analysis has shown that 2022/23 was a positive year for housing completions in Scotland with latest figures indicating that last year saw the highest number of completions since the housing crash in 2007/08.
Figures from the Scottish Government show that the total supply of new houses in 2022/23 reached 24,368, up 10% (or 2,161 homes) on 2021/22 – of this 98% were completed new builds.
2022/23 also saw further strong housing figures with:

• Private sector completions increasing by 12% (16,840 homes)
• 6% increase in social housing sector completions (6,958 homes)
• Affordable homes completed increasing by 7% (10,462 homes)

Colin Beattie MSP has said that with the ongoing shortages of housing in Scotland these figures show the SNP Government is serious about tackling this issue – with a further £556 million committed to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in 2024/25.

Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
“Housing supply is a key issue in Midlothian North and Musselburgh and it is essential we continue to increase the number of good affordable homes available in the market.

“Analysis shows that 24,368 homes were completed in 2022/23, including 1,921 in East Lothian and Midlothian, a welcome figure that continues to increase year on year.

“The SNP Government will continue to take action, including committing over £550 million to the affordable housing supply programme this year, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe and comfortable home.”

ENDS
Notes to editors:
Housing Statistics 2022 & 2023: Key Trends Summary - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

MSP FOR MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH WELCOMES FUND TO MAKE COURT TRANSCRIPTS FREELY AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS

SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the Scottish Government pilot scheme to improve access to justice which will see victims of rape and serious sexual assault able to access transcripts from their court cases for free.

From 1st March 2024 to 1st March 2025, £100,000 of funding will enable complainers who have had their cases heard in the High Court to apply for the transcripts of what was said in their court cases, free of charge.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said:
“For those in Midlothian North and Musselburgh who are victims of sexual assault or rape, this pilot will greatly improve transparency and fairness in the process of achieving retribution.
“I pay tribute to those in my constituency and beyond who have campaigned for greater fairness and accountability in the process of achieving justice – something that can always be improved.
“The scheme, along with the proposed Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill are designed to improve victims’ experience and increase confidence in the justice system.
“I am pleased to see this SNP Government removing barriers to justice for victims of sexual assault, and I encourage all those in Midlothian North and Musselburgh who are able to do so to make full use of this pilot fund.”

​ENDS
 
Notes
More information can be found here.