Housing emergency in Scotland 'defining issue of our times', John Swinney warned

Scotland's housing emergency is the "defining issue of our times", John Swinney has been warned.

A coalition of charities and housing groups have today shared an open letter calling on the Scottish Government to take action to reduce the number of children stuck in temporary accommodation.

Organisations including Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) said they recognised SNP ministers had already set out "ambitious" strategies to reduce homelessness.

But they warned the plans had been "fatally undermined" by spending cuts at Holyrood and Westminster and a lack of political will to fund a shift away from crisis intervention and towards prevention-based work.

It comes after eight councils in Scotland - including Glasgow and Edinburgh - have so far declared a housing emergency as they are unable to meet local demand for affordable accommodation.

Around 10,000 children are living with their families in temporary residences, such as B&Bs and hotels, due to the lack of social housing available nationwide.

The open letter sent to Swinney said the coalition had "no confidence" that existing plans can deliver results unless the First Minister is willing to invest political capital in changing course.

The organisations believe the number of children living in temporary accommodation could be reduced by as much as a quarter by the end of the year if the supply of new social homes is "urgently increased".

They also want existing homelessness services to be "fully funded".

Alison Watson, Shelter Scotland director, said: "The First Minister has made clear he wants to eradicate child poverty, so it's vital that the Scottish Government prioritises action which reduces the untold harm caused by the housing emergency to the 10,000 children currently trapped in temporary accommodation.

"Having declared a housing emergency, ministers now have a responsibility to show us what they’re going to differently in tackling it. Things can’t just continue as before; we need to see a new approach to meeting housing need."

Sally Thomas, SFHA chief executive, said: "The Scottish Government urgently needs to increase the supply of new social homes.

"This can only start by fully reversing successive hammer-blow cuts to the affordable homes programme and showing an iron-clad commitment to publicly funding social homes.

"Scotland’s housing emergency is the defining issue of our times. We’re simply asking you to not let Scotland down."

Chris Birt, associate director at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "Child poverty cannot be eradicated while so many children in Scotland don’t have a place to call home.

"Fundamentally our homes must be the foundation from which we can explore our potential and feel safe."

Jane Wood, Homes for Scotland chief executive, said: "Significant challenges, particularly the planning and wider consenting system, continue to impact the deliverability of the high quality, energy efficient and sustainable homes that Scotland needs.

"With a new leadership in place, this is an ideal opportunity for the Scottish Government to undertake a positive policy reset, with strong direction that embraces clear actions rather than words."

The Scottish Government faced a backlash earlier this year after it voted through a £196m cut to its affordable housing budget.

In a statement to MSPs, Paul McLennan, the Housing Minister, said: "We are investing almost £600 million in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in 2024-25, which includes up to £40 million for acquisitions announced this year, and a further £40 million next year.

"This additional £80 million builds on the success of the national acquisition programme which in 2023-24 delivered almost 1,500 affordable homes supported by our investment of over £83 million.

"Our Open Market Shared Equity scheme will also reopen to new applications. This scheme will deliver hundreds of homes for priority groups.

"We must make sure the resources we have are deployed to optimal effect."

The MSP added: "We know the number of children in temporary accommodation is too high and that lengthy stays in temporary accommodation are not good for the wellbeing of families.

"The £80 million of funding I have already mentioned will enable social landlords to secure larger family houses where needed, helping households with children to find a permanent home.

"This should help reduce the numbers and average time spent in temporary accommodation. We are consulting with COSLA to determine how best to allocate additional support to those local authorities with the greatest temporary accommodation challenges."

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