Cabinet Secretary Housing Emergency Statement
The Cabinet Secretary's statement in Parliament today set out a range of responses to Scotland’s Housing Emergency.
Among the key announcements were a £4.6 billion investment in affordable housing over the next four years, and the creation of a new challenge fund to increase the supply of high-quality temporary accommodation delivered by third sector organisations and social landlords.
We welcome the focus on Rapid Rehousing, including the Housing First approach with wraparound support, which is essential to reducing homelessness. Extending the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) funding of £8 million into 2026/27 will enable councils to continue implementing local plans and provide the right housing options for people in their communities.
We also welcome the additional £1 million investment in Housing First this year. This funding will help more people maintain stable tenancies, breaking the cycle of repeat homelessness and easing demand on public services such as the NHS, mental health support, and the justice system.
This is further supported by £3 million for social landlords to acquire properties to deliver Housing First in targeted locations—a positive step toward scaling up the model to meet more of the unmet need.
Today’s statement demonstrates a recognition of the scale of the challenge and a commitment to action. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure these measures deliver the impact Scotland needs.
Homeless Network Scotland has called for these developments to be followed by longer-term funding commitments, enabling Housing First to reach more people. Local authorities and support providers urgently need the certainty that multi-year settlements provide for the stability of tenants, the wellbeing of frontline staff, and the sustainability of vital services. It’s a call Transform Community Development fully support
You can read the Cabinet Secretary’s statement in full at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/tackling-scotlands-housing-emergency/
