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Churches could answer housing prayers

Disused church property could be used to house hundreds of families and ease the shortage of affordable housing, according to the Scottish Government.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell spoke at a meeting of church housing officials and praised efforts to contribute to providing land and accommodation.

It is anticipated that 50 homes a year will be available for 10 years through a partnership of 11 churches in Scotland.

Mr Maxwell said: "The Church Property and Housing Programme has the potential to increase the supply of affordable housing by promoting greater use of surplus church properties and sites."

He added: "We recognise the valuable contribution that the voluntary sector makes in tackling and preventing homelessness and addressing wider housing issues in Scotland.

"Scottish Churches Housing Action plays an invaluable role in addressing these issues with its volunteers providing front-line services that help those experiencing homelessness.

"It is also important that those that have faced homelessness feel part of our communities and this is never more the case than when re-building their lives after experiencing homelessness."

Full story at The Herald.