Cammy Day: Affordable homes can create lasting legacy

It has already been identified that we need to deliver 16,000 affordable homes in the next ten years, so it is vital that we do everything in our power to achieve this.

I recently attended the opening of a new housing development on Leith’s Fox Street which has created 100 affordable homes and has had a significant impact on the regeneration of the area. Developments like this help people to get on the property ladder and boost the local economy, so the overall impact is substantial. I look forward to seeing more of these projects throughout Edinburgh and the benefits they can bring.

There are far too many people struggling to find homes they can afford. There are 150 bids for every council property that becomes available to let in the city and it is crucial that we act now to change this.

In challenging times like this we need to look at new, innovative and creative approaches to provide these much needed homes, including low-cost home ownership, shared equity and co-operative housing models.

We are currently developing a strategic business case that will help identify funding and drive new initiatives. More people in Edinburgh should have access to affordable, modern homes, not just to improve the quality of their lives but to benefit the city as a whole and create a lasting legacy for the future.

• Councillor Cammy Day represents Forth ward