Craig Donnelly

Earlier this month, Community Land Scotland called on politicians to establish a ‘Right to Live’ for young people growing up in rural communities in the face of an “acute” shortage of affordable housing in those areas.

It is one of six asks detailed in the charity’s Perth Declaration 2024, which presents a collective vision for a flourishing Scotland through community ownership by 2034.

The Perth declaration asks that the “Scottish Government acknowledges the Right to Live in Your Community. This can be supported by a National Community Wealth Fund to fund community housing projects. Alongside legislative levers to free up land for housing through the lotting mechanisms and Sites of Community Significance in the Land Reform Bill.”

While acknowledging that there is a shortage of rural affordable properties, Mr Donnelly has questioned both the practicality and the thinking behind Community Land Scotland’s proposal that a ‘Right to Live’ should be written into legislation and sit alongside people’s rights to food and education.

“The proposal will have significant practical difficulties,” he said. “And as a child of a father who was in the armed forces and who relocated regularly throughout my childhood, I’m not sure this proposal would give me the right to live anywhere.

“While I accept that the shortage of affordable properties in rural areas is a problem that needs to be addressed, the Scottish Government has already taken steps to combat the issue.

“Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) – the extra charge which is added to any Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) on the purchase of a second home in Scotland – has increased from four per cent to six per cent.

“Planning legislation has recently been introduced to limit the number of properties eligible for short-term let which is impacting on private landlords. Since 1 April 2024, councils in Scotland can also charge up to double the standard council tax on second homes.

“In addition, Community Land Scotland’s proposal could clash with the Human Rights Act which protects the right to peaceful enjoyment of possessions, including the right to sell them to whoever the owner chooses.

“I’m unconvinced that this proposed additional deterrent is practical. Rather, I think the shortage of affordable properties in rural areas would be better tackled by addressing the lack of social housing and insufficient investment and infrastructure in rural communities.”