Scotland’s housing emergency demands urgent action

We need greater measures to tackle the housing emergency

Màiri McAllan was appointed Housing Secretary during June’s cabinet reshuffle. We welcome her to the role. Now, let’s get Scotland’s housing emergency under control.

It was encouraging to hear First Minister John Swinney say that Màiri McAllan’s appointment to the cabinet signified the Scottish Government’s prioritisation of the housing emergency. But, as our Director, Alison Watson, says, ‘Now we need to see emergency action.'

‘We welcome Màiri McAllan in this new post and are ready to work with her to tackle Scotland’s housing emergency,’ Alison said.

We've been asking for housing to have a seat at the cabinet table for a long time. The appointment marks a turning point, with signs that the first minister is committed to getting the 10,160 children out of temporary accommodation and into secure homes.

‘But words aren’t enough. It has been over a year since a national housing emergency was declared by parliament, and sadly, more needs to be done. We need to see radical and urgent action now to build more social homes to end homelessness in Scotland.'