Shelter Scotland responds to Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing

Following the announcement of the new Cabinet, announcing Shirley-Anne Somerville as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, Shelter Scotland has issued the following statement.

Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, Assistant Director at Shelter Scotland said:

“It is incredibly deflating to see housing downgraded from a specific Cabinet post to a shared portfolio and the standalone housing minister effectively downgraded to a junior role. Playing ‘hokey cokey’ with a dedicated minister in then out of the cabinet does nothing to build confidence that ending the housing emergency remains a top priority for the new Government.

“At Shelter Scotland we of course look forward to working with Shirley-Anne Somerville on the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan. We broadly support their plan for more homes, protecting homelessness rights and tackling the racism and bias in our housing system. She is experienced at juggling the competing demands of Scotland’s social security system and worsening housing emergency.

“But without a dedicated seat at the table housing organisations will need to keep speaking out if we are to see manifesto pledges turned into action.”