Scottish Government Accelerates Action to Tackle Housing Emergency with Major Investment Boost
In a decisive response to Scotland’s ongoing housing emergency, the Scottish Government has announced a comprehensive package of measures aimed at increasing affordable housing supply and reducing reliance on temporary accommodation. Building on last year’s efforts, the government is intensifying investment to ensure more Scots can access safe, warm, and affordable homes.
Since declaring a housing emergency in 2024, the Scottish Government has committed over £600 million in affordable housing investment for 2024/25, including £40 million dedicated to purchasing properties and bringing empty social homes back into use. This strategic focus has contributed to a reduction in households living in temporary accommodation across 12 council areas, according to the latest data.
Additional support includes a further £1 million allocated to Registered Social Landlords and third sector organisations to prevent homelessness and help people remain in rented homes. The government has also expanded innovative funding mechanisms, such as the Charitable Bonds programme, which injected £46 million in the past year, facilitating the delivery of 325 new homes.
Looking ahead, the Scottish Government plans to ramp up efforts with a record £768 million investment in affordable housing in the current financial year, targeting the delivery of 8,000 new homes for social rent, mid-market rent, and low-cost home ownership. Moreover, local authorities will receive £15 billion this year to support homelessness services and other critical social programs.
The government is also tackling the issue of empty homes with a £2 million investment through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, aimed at reducing the number of vacant privately owned properties and unlocking more housing supply.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“Providing everyone in Scotland the right to a warm, safe, and affordable home is central to our commitment to eradicate child poverty and build stronger communities. Our investments have already helped over 2,600 households with children into affordable homes in the past year alone.”
“Between 2007 and the end of 2024, we have delivered 136,000 affordable homes, with 97,000 dedicated to social rent. We are actively identifying and revitalising empty private and social homes while attracting new funding streams through our Housing Investment Taskforce.”
“While we welcome reductions in families living in temporary accommodation in some areas, we recognise the journey is far from over. That is why we have increased the affordable housing budget by £200 million this year, and why we will introduce stronger homelessness prevention measures and long-term rent controls through our forthcoming Housing Bill.”
“Our commitment is clear: to tackle the housing emergency head-on and ensure every Scot has a place to call home.”
