CITY councillors have approved a five-year £527million Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for Glasgow.

It sets out the priorities and resource requirements for investment in the city’s affordable housing supply, with the target of building more than 7,500 homes being completed through 185 development projects between 2024/25 and 2028/29.

The SHIP aims to deliver on the vision and strategic priorities set out in Glasgow’s Housing Strategy, which include:

• Reducing homelessness and the number of households currently living in emergency and temporary accommodation
• Increasing the supply of affordable family housing
• Contributing towards reducing the number of children living in poverty
• Meeting the increasing demand from households that are registered on social landlord waiting lists
• Supporting refugee households living in Glasgow
• Responding to pressures that are being experienced across the city’s private rented sector market including a reduction in letting activity and an increase in the cost of rents
• Meeting the forecast changes to the demographics of Glasgow’s population including a projected 22.3 per cent increase in the number of people who will be aged 65 years and older by 2032

Amongst the priorities for new housing developments delivered through the SHIP is that 10 per cent of all new homes in developments of 20 units and above will be wheelchair readily adaptable; and that 60 new family-sized homes with three or more bedrooms are built each year.

Challenges remain in the delivery of affordable housing, not least the 56 per cent rise in costs since 2018, and the impact of high interest rates.

The SHIP will also support adaptation work in homes to allow independent living.

It is expected that around 80 per cent of the new homes to be built through the SHIP funding will be for social rent, with 18.5 percent mid-market rent.

Glasgow’s SHIP was developed by Glasgow City Council in consultation with housing associations, private developers, the voluntary sector, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership and other organisations.

Councillor Kenny McLean, city convener for housing at Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan is very important for the city, paving the way to build 7,500 new affordable homes and meet other key housing needs between 2024 and 2029.

“New affordable housing is key not only to the quality of life of the residents, but the standard of the environment in our communities and its contribution to Glasgow’s economic growth.”