Anas Sarwar has called for the SNP Government to “take responsibility” for Scotland’s housing emergency which has left record numbers of people facing homelessness.
The Scottish Labour leader spoke out ahead of a debate on the issue at Holyrood tomorrow after official figures revealed the number of people registering themselves as homeless had reached the highest level in over a decade.
A severe lack of affordable housing – particularly in the country’s biggest cities – has also pushed the number of households stuck in temporary accommodation to a record high.
It comes after charities warned that rough sleeping is also on the rise and claimed SNP ministers had failed to listen to experts on the issue.
Figures uncovered by Scottish Labour have revealed that families registered as homeless are now typically spending more than a year and a half stuck in temporary accommodation.
The average time couples with children have already spent living in temporary accommodation as of 31 March 2024 was a staggering 565 days, with average stays in some areas almost reaching two years.
Sarwar has called for Paul McLennan, the Housing Minister, to be sacked as a result.
The Labour leader said: “It is a scandal that Scottish families are being left in limbo for months and even years on end.
“No-one should have to spend their childhood dealing with the anxiety and insecurity of temporary accommodation, but that is the heartbreaking reality of the SNP’s housing emergency.
“SNP incompetence has consequences and once again it is the most vulnerable people in Scotland paying the harshest price.
“If John Swinney chooses to keep the Housing Minister in post despite his abject failure, it is a sign that this SNP government has well and truly given up on governing.
“The SNP must take responsibility for its record of shame on housing and start treating this national emergency with the urgency it deserves.”
The Record has asked the Scottish Government for comment.
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