Highland convener calls for talks over £153m in loans
Council leader seeks write-off of housing debt
Published:
Highland Council’s convener wants a meeting with the UK Treasury minister early next year to discuss writing off the region’s £153million housing debt.
The local authority has one of the highest levels of housing debt in Scotland and currently pays loan charges of £15million a year.
Councillor Donald Cameron has asked for an update on progress on the possible writing-off of the debt or the repayments being frozen so that much-needed social housing for rent can be built and measures can be taken to assist the construction industry during the economic situation.
Council convener Sandy Park said: “The council currently pays loan charges of £15million a year on its housing debt.
“If that debt were written off, or if the UK Treasury would allow flexibility in the terms of our debt, then we would potentially have an extra £15million a year to invest in bringing our own housing up to standard, and in building new housing.
“That would be a significant boost to the local construction sector and the Highland economy as a whole.”
He said he had already met with local MP Danny Alexander, along with council leader Michael Foxley and Margaret Davidson, chairwoman of the housing and social work committee, to discuss how MPs could help lobby the UK Government.
Mr Park added: “I am seeking a meeting with the UK Treasury minister early in the new year in order to pursue this further.
“I also intend to continue to lobby the Scottish Government for their support in helping with the problems that debt causes in relation to our housing revenue account.
“In both cases, I would support a cross-party approach to lobbying.”
