In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Professor Duncan McLennan discusses the complexities of the Scottish housing system, addressing the notion of a housing emergency, the implications of the right to buy policy, and the urgent need for increased social housing.

Speaking with hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black, he emphasises the economic impacts of housing, the importance of quality and location, and the challenges faced in rural housing markets. The conversation also touches on the role of government in housing policy, the necessity for disruption in current practices, and the future directions for housing in Scotland.

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/duncan-mclennan-transcipt

Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-i-was-aghast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Housing Challenges in Scotland

03:02 Understanding the Housing Emergency

05:55 The Right to Buy and Its Implications

09:12 The Need for Increased Social Housing

12:03 Housing as a Merit Good and Economic Impact

15:00 The Role of Government in Housing Policy

17:56 Housing and Economic Growth

20:49 Productivity and Housing Quality

24:07 The Importance of Location in Housing

26:57 Challenges in Rural Housing Markets

29:52 The Future of Housing Policy in Scotland

33:04 Rent Control and Investment Concerns

36:00 The Need for Disruption in Housing Policy

38:48 Conclusion and Future Directions

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

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