Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan has said she
intends to build on the Scottish Government's track record of
delivering high-quality affordable homes.
Ahead of a visit to a development in Bathgate, West Lothian Ms
McAllan emphasised how vital delivering housing is to the First
Minister's key objective of eradicating child poverty.
Ms McAllan said:
“Having a safe, warm and affordable place to call home is
critical to a life of dignity and opportunity. It is a key part
of the First Minister's priority of ending child poverty in
Scotland.
“We have a good track record in Scotland, having delivered
136,000 affordable homes, with 97,000 of those for social rent,
between 2007 and the end of December 2024. That's 47% more per
head of population than England and 73% more than Wales as of
March 2024.
“Now I want to redouble efforts and despite an incredibly
challenging financial settlement from the UK government, will
invest £768 million this year in affordable housing.
“I am also determined that housing conditions be improved and
will be prioritising this government's work to ensure tenants are
protected against damp and mould through the introduction of
Awaab's Law.
“Tackling the housing emergency will be my top priority as it
will be key in ensuring everyone in Scotland, and in particular
our children, have the opportunity to thrive and I am focussed on
delivering that real change.”
