Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has described his party's housing policy as a "win-win" as the Holyrood election approaches. With just days left until the vote on Thursday, Cole-Hamilton visited Inverness to promote plans to build 10,000 new homes specifically for key workers.
Key worker housing plan details
Under the Liberal Democrat proposals, 10,000 new homes would be constructed and offered at mid-market rent to key workers. Local councils would be given the authority to determine which sectors qualify for the scheme, allowing flexibility based on regional needs.
Cole-Hamilton stated: "Scottish Liberal Democrats will tackle the chronic housing shortage by returning housebuilding to a level that gets 25,000 new homes built annually, and create new key worker housing so that finding a home isn't a barrier to taking up a job when somewhere is crying out for your skills."
He criticized the Scottish National Party's approach to housing policy, claiming that "housebuilders tell me the SNP's chopping and changing of housing policy must end because it's forced big institutional investors away." He also highlighted the impact on care homes, noting that "care home bosses tell me their staff can't find somewhere to live."
The policy aims to make it easier for people to relocate for better job opportunities, addressing both the housing shortage and labour market needs. "This key worker housing policy is a win-win. We'd get Scotland building again and secure a supply of workers in vital industries," Cole-Hamilton added.
Local decision-making on key worker status
The Lib Dems emphasize local control, with Cole-Hamilton stating: "Lib Dems believe in giving power back to communities. That's why we believe it should be up to councils to decide who qualifies as a key worker in their area. In some locations that might mean building housing reserved for NHS or care staff. In others, it might be teachers or farm workers."
The pledge comes as part of the party's broader election campaign, focusing on addressing Scotland's housing crisis and supporting essential services.
