SARWAR: NATS HAVE NO PLAN

ANAS Sarwar has accused the SNP of having “no plan” to fix Scotland’s housing emergency.

The Scottish Labour leader spoke out after Fife became the fourth local authority to declare that it could no longer meet demand for affordable accommodation as homelessness rises.

And shock figures published yesterday found the number of new housing association properties started in Scotland last year had fallen to the lowest level in 35 years.

Sarwar said that a “meaningful housing plan” would be “front and centre” of his party’s manifesto at the next Holyrood election in 2026.

He added: “Fundamentally, we need to build more homes.”

The MSP will today visit a homelessness charity in Edinburgh to learn more about how they support those in need. We revealed how the cost of a private rental property in Scotland rocketed by 11 per cent last year.

It follows homelessness among Scots rising to record levels of more than 30,000 – with 10,000 homeless kids living in temporary quarters.

The Scottish Government has faced a backlash after it voted through a £196million cut to its affordable housing budget last month despite warnings from charities and builders.

But SNP ministers insist they are still focused on its target of building 110,000 new affordable homes by 2032.

Speaking to the Record while on a visit to a community centre in Glasgow’s Garthamlock, Sarwar called for a shake-up of the planning system. He said: “Scotland absolutely has a housing emergency.

“We attempted to declare a housing emergency in the Scottish Parliament last year and the SNP voted against it. There are almost 10,000 children in temporary accommodation. It’s disgraceful.”

Paul McLennan, the Housing Minister, said: “We are investing £752million in affordable housing this financial year, the majority of which will be for social rent.

“We remain focused on delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.” PlaN Anas Sarwar to make housing a big priority