Scottish Labour has tabled a motion for a second time in an attempt to force the government to acknowledge the extent of the crisis across the country.
Scotland reporter @Jenster13
Wednesday 15 May 2024 11:13, UK
The Scottish government is expected to declare a housing emergency in a debate at Holyrood later on Wednesday.
Scottish Labour has tabled a motion for a second time in an attempt to force the government to acknowledge the extent of the crisis across the country.
Five local authoritiesArgyll and Bute, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow and West Dunbartonshirehave already made such a declaration in the face of increasing homelessness figures and a lack of supply.
Scottish Labour's first bid in November failed.
But now that the SNP's power-sharing Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens has come to an end, John Swinney could have faced losing his first vote since taking over as first minister if he chose to oppose Labour's motion.
In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland earlier on Wednesday, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville claimed the reason behind the planned declaration is Mr Swinney's desire to be frank with the Scottish parliament and members of the public about the issues facing the country.
By declaring an emergency, the Scottish government would formally be recognising the housing problem.
Ms Somerville is expected to blame UK government austerity and Brexit for the decision.
Read more:'Housing emergency' in Glasgow
Be the first to get
Install the Sky News app for free
In response, the Scottish Conservatives said the SNP "have had to be dragged kicking and screaming into this long overdue acceptance of reality".
Miles Briggs MSP, the shadow housing secretary for the Tories in Scotland, added: "Shirley-Anne Somerville has typically tried to blame Westminster but the SNP have received a record block grant and it is them who shamefully slashed £200m from the affordable housing budget.
"Theyalong with Labouralso backed the Greens' illogical rent freeze policy which has instead hit tenants with soaring rents and has put the pause on much needed housing developments."
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Mr Briggs claimed a "record number" of children are having to live in temporary accommodation and homelessness figures are at "disgraceful levels".
Sky News footer
