Scottish Government sets out urgent plan to tackle housing emergency
The Scottish Government has today launched a Housing Emergency Action Plan—an ambitious package of reforms and investment designed to confront Scotland’s housing crisis and deliver thousands of safe, warm and affordable homes.
Unveiling the plan in the Scottish Parliament, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, pledged decisive action to relieve immediate pressures while driving long-term change across the housing system.
Headline measures include:
- £4.9 billion over four years to provide 36,000 affordable homes by 2029–30, giving up to 24,000 children a secure place to live.
- £80 million investment in property acquisitions this year, helping move 600–800 children out of temporary accommodation.
- Introduction of Awaab’s Law from March 2026, beginning with protections against damp and mould to ensure rapid landlord action on health hazards.
- A new £1 million national ‘Fund to Leave’, supporting up to 1,200 women and children to safely exit abusive relationships.
- A drive to unlock land for housing in rural Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish National Investment Bank, landowners and public bodies.
- A Ministerial direction to planning authorities to fast-track housing delivery nationwide.
Màiri McAllan said:
“Confronting the housing emergency is central to the Scottish Government’s mission to eradicate child poverty and protect vulnerable communities. This plan is about delivering lasting solutions as well as immediate relief.
“Since the emergency was declared, we have already supported 2,700 families with children into permanent homes. With this action plan, we will go much further—ensuring tens of thousands more families have a place they can call home.
“I have heard the sector’s call for long-term certainty. That’s why today I am committing up to £4.9 billion in affordable housing over the next four years—a commitment that will deliver 36,000 homes and provide security for 24,000 children.
“But this cannot be achieved by government alone. I am calling on partners across the public and private sectors to work with us to make this plan a reality—because every person in Scotland deserves the dignity of a safe, warm and affordable home.”
A system-wide response
The Housing Emergency Action Plan represents a comprehensive, system-wide approach—combining legislative reform, strategic investment, and direct support for households.
It strengthens protections for tenants, accelerates delivery of affordable homes, and supports communities in both urban centres and rural areas, laying the foundations for a fairer and more resilient housing system across Scotland.
