The Housing System
Last updated | 16/01/2012
The Housing Market Context statement from Communities Scotland
and the Council's own analysis, identifies a number of key features
of our Housing System.
- Relatively high population growth in Perth & Kinross as
more people want to come to live here
- The 2003 Local Housing Needs Assessment identifies a
shortfall in the supply of affordable housing. This is likely
to be compounded by the relaxation of rules on the eligibility
of homeless persons for permanent accommodation, and by labour
in-migration connected with local industrial expansion
- A relatively high proportion of households has a relatively low
level of income. In rural Perthshire, the average earnings
from employment are significantly below the Scottish average.
- With corresponding price inflation, there is a growing demand
for housing in the south of the Council area and in Greater
Perth.
- The number of older person households is rising in
Perth & Kinross (41.4% according to the Census
2001). This has significant implications, like the need to
provide services that help older people to enjoy life and
be independent as long as possible.
- High land prices and infrastructure costs in Highland
Perthshire and parts of Kinross and Strathearn affect supply and
affordability.
- There is a relatively large private rented sector (up to
15% according to the Census 2001). It is generally accepted
that there is a correlation between the private rented sector and
poor house conditions as well as incidences of fuel poverty.
- There is a high proportion of second or holiday homes in Perth
& Kinross even though some properties - like chalets - are
built for this purpose. In some rural areas, the impact of
second or holiday homes on the local housing market is
significant.
- Certain areas of Council housing in the north of Perth city are
experiencing low demand, and there are indications that community
cohesion is breaking down.
- The Local House Condition Survey (2003) indicates high levels
of disrepair in private sector properties in Perth &
Kinross. The estimate is that 2.2 % of them are below
tolerable standard.
If you would like a copy of the
Local Housing Strategy, please contact Norma Robson, Tel. 01738
476090 or you can download/print the document using the link
above.
