Scots mum slams council after ’24 year wait for suitable house’

A Scottish mother has criticised the local council after alleging she has waited 24 years for a suitable house. Donna Arnot, aged 42, has expressed her frustration at being on the housing list since she was 18 years old. Seeking a two-bedroom house for herself and her daughter, Donna has faced challenges in finding a property in the community she grew up in, specifically Drum Brae. She feels disappointed by the council’s response, especially after claiming that two council homes with two bedrooms on Ardshiel Avenue and Dochart Drive were sold off in the past three years.

Edinburgh City Council has defended its housing policies, mentioning that they have sold 205 homes and acquired 405 to increase their housing stock. Due to high pressures on temporary accommodation, the council has halted the selling of properties not already under offer to utilise them as temporary homes. Donna expressed her concerns, highlighting the contradiction of selling properties while facing a housing emergency and homelessness crisis. She emphasized the uncertainty of providing a stable home for her daughter and expressed worry about the future of social housing in Edinburgh.

Donna voiced her disappointment with the Edindex Council housing list system, calling for updates and improvements to address the housing challenges facing many individuals. Jane Meagher, the convener for housing, homelessness, and fair work in Edinburgh, acknowledged the significant demand for social housing in the city. She highlighted the council’s efforts to increase affordable housing stock by selling and acquiring properties strategically to benefit tenants and reinvest surpluses for more affordable homes.

In conclusion, the long-standing issue of affordable and suitable housing persists in Edinburgh, impacting individuals like Donna Arnot who have faced challenges in securing a permanent home for years. The council’s efforts to address housing shortages and homelessness are vital, but improvements in housing policies and systems are necessary to ensure access to adequate housing for all residents.