The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in Scotland has reiterated the need for more innovative thinking with regards to unlocking investment in new affordable housing.

At today's launch of a new CIH discussion paper, Investing in Affordable Housing - A Radical Rethink, delegates will consider alternative ways to fund the delivery of a sufficient supply of new affordable housing in Scotland.

The discussion paper, Investing in Affordable Housing - A Radical Rethink, contains a series of articles from contributors across the UK. It offers a range of innovative and alternative methods of funding new affordable housing including local housing funds, co-operative models, bonds and investments and variations on existing models.


Craig Stirrat, Chair of CIH Scotland, said: "Since the onset of the recession, the housing market has stalled, mortgage availability is limited and the cost of private finance has increased.

"With the Scottish gfovernment stating there will be severe constraints on public expenditure and less money in next year's Affordable Housing Investment Programme, the time is right for a radical rethink about how we invest in new affordable housing. "This paper may not contain all the answers, but it marks the start of an important discussion that this country needs to ensure a continued supply of affordable housing in Scotland. In the New Year, CIH Scotland is committed to further developing thinking on investment in affordable housing with a follow up paper."

(GK/KMcA)