Statement on the Programme for Government 2023-24

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has welcomed the Scottish Government's commitment to increase rural housing supply - but added that it needs to rebuild its trust with businesses to help achieve its policy aims.

The rural business organisation made the comments in response to the Programme for Government announced by First Minister Humza Yousaf today at Holyrood. 

Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“We welcome the commitment and funding to increase rural housing supply – any attempt to tackle the current systemic shortage of housing is to be welcomed. However, it is important that the government understands the impact its policies, like rent controls, will have on providers of crucial private rented accommodation in rural communities. 

“It is vital that rural and business voices are heard in policy development, so the First Minister’s promise to take a “Team Scotland” approach to policy development is welcome, whether it is in the development of future agriculture support or its wider Rural Delivery Plan.”

SLE questions the merit of pursuing yet another Land Reform Bill, the third since the Scottish Parliament was established.

Ms Laing added: "It is frustrating that the Scottish Government is diverting limited resources into an ideologically-driven Land Reform Bill instead of prioritising support for businesses and communities across rural Scotland, the farms and estates which can deliver the multiple objectives the First Minister outlines elsewhere. There is a pressing need to aid the growth of the rural economy whilst we collectively seek to achieve a challenging target of net zero by 2045. Further land reform is an unnecessary distraction to the really important issues. The First Minister’s language of collaboration and partnership would be more successful if it were not accompanied by policies that alienate those who can deliver on the ground."