THE transformation of social housing across Glasgow has boosted the Scottish economy by almost £2billion and supported thousands of jobs, according to a new report.

Glasgow Housing Association's (GHA) investment programme - the biggest of its kind in Europe - following the stock transfer of 70,000 ex-Glasgow City Council homes and the development of thousands of new houses contributed £2b to Scotland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

While GHA also supported an average of 2,425 full-time jobs per year - the equivalent of 36,500 years of full-time employment.

The study, by Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI), reveals GHA, the largest subsidiary of the Wheatley group, invested almost £1.6b upgrading more than 70,000 homes, £285 million in building new, affordable housing in the city, and almost £70 million on community infrastructure.

Council leader Councillor Susan Aitken said: “These are hugely impressive figures and the contribution to the Glasgow economy by the GHA’s continued and sustained housing investment cannot be under-estimated.

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“But it is what that investment has helped achieve, what has been delivered since the 2003 Housing Stock Transfer, which is truly momentous. It has been pivotal in the biggest physical transformations this city has experienced in the modern era, replacing substandard and derelict housing with modern, safe, warm homes.

“It has improved the health and well-being of thousands of Glaswegians, revitalised communities, transformed lives and created sustainable job opportunities amongst many of our communities which need them most.

“GHA, and indeed the wider social housing sector, are invaluable partners in what the Glasgow City Government is striving to achieve for our citizens. This report testifies to that.”

The organisation built more 2,485 new homes between 2003-2017 and has another 957 under construction, with a further 1,400 in the pipeline.

A total of £45 million has also been invested in community regeneration, supporting and improving the well-being of tenants, including some of the city's most vulnerable people.

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GHA’s tenant chair Bernadette Hewitt, who lives in one of the organisation's Barmulloch properties, said: “The transformation of social housing in Glasgow has been a key element in the resurgence of this great city over the past 15 years.

“GHA’s massive modernisation, demolition and re-provisioning programme has changed not only the Glasgow skyline, it has ensured tens of thousands of families across the city are living in modern, warm, safe and fuel-efficient homes.”

The report also reveals that during the year 2016/17 GHA activities contributed £153 million to the Scottish economy.

Professor Graeme Roy of the FAI added: “We find that, for the year we study, 2016/17, GHA’s activities support around £150 million of GDP to the Scottish economy, equivalent to around 2,575 jobs. That is a substantial contribution.”