Angela Rayner has slammed the SNP over its record on housing and urged the Scottish Government to get a “grip” on homelessness.
The Deputy Prime Minister said it was “horrendous” that 242 people in Scotland died in homeless accommodation last year and said the Nationalists were “clapped-out and failing”.
She was responding to questions from West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister and Livingston MP Gregor Poynton in the House of Commons.
McAllister said: “242 people died while homeless in Scotland last year. These deaths are a travesty for our country and a damning symbol of Scottish Government failure.”
He continued: “Does the minister agree with me that as we head into winter, it is more urgent than ever that the SNP Scottish Government must finally take action, deliver a fair deal for councils, build more affordable social houses and offer every Scot a safe, secure home?”
Rayner replied: “242 people dying is absolutely horrendous. We’re facing an acute housing crisis. While housing and homelessness is devolved, I encourage our Scottish counterparts to grip this issue.
“I completely agree that this is a damning example of the crisis in Scotland. Every single homeless death is a tragedy and it’s why sufficient supply of affordable housing and joined up support services are essential, which we will make clear in our upcoming inter-ministerial meetings with our Scottish colleagues.”
Poynton asked: “All sector new-build starts are falling and are at their lowest level since 2015. That includes private sector new builds down 20 per cent since 2022 and social housing is even worse – down 30 per cent. This is devastating the opportunity for families across my constituency to get a home of their own.
“The SNP does have the largest funding settlement in devolution history, will they now use that to properly fund the social rented sector?”
Rayner said: “He’s absolutely right to highlight the housing crisis in Scotland, where too many families are waiting too long for a safe and secure home.
“I completely back all the work my friend the Scottish Labour leader [Anas Sarwar] is doing. I know the choice will be a stark one for people in Scotland on May 2026 between a national Labour Government that is delivering for the working people of this country versus a clapped-out and failing SNP Government north of the border.”
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