Scottish government urged to commit to ending homelessness

A leading homelessness charity has called on the newly re-elected Scottish government to prioritise ending homelessness within its first 100 days in office. The appeal comes amid rising figures for rough sleeping and temporary accommodation use across Scotland.

Rising Homelessness Figures in Scotland

Recent Scottish government data reveals that in the year to September 2025, 33,966 households were assessed as homeless or at risk of homelessness. Since 2021, rough sleeping has more than doubled, marking an increase of 111%. Additionally, the number of households assessed as homeless has risen by 18%, while those in temporary accommodation have increased by 27%.

Calls for a National Mission to End Homelessness

Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications at Crisis Scotland, described these statistics as “a badge of shame on our nation.” She acknowledged Scotland’s progress in establishing strong homelessness rights but stressed that too many people continue to face homelessness daily. McGoldrick urged the government to make ending homelessness a clear national mission from day one, stating: “Surely it is time to say enough is enough, and to make the political decisions, as hard as they may be, to end homelessness for good.”

She highlighted that Crisis Scotland has demonstrated how homelessness could be eradicated in Scotland by 2040, emphasising the need for the government to seize this opportunity to build on existing progress.

Increasing Social Housing Supply

McGoldrick also called for urgent action to implement Scotland’s prevention duties and to significantly increase the supply of social housing. She stressed that building enough social homes is essential to ending homelessness by 2040. “With the right leadership, investment and collaboration across Parliament, Scotland can move significantly closer to ensuring everyone in Scotland has a safe and affordable home,” she said.

Opposition to Rent Controls

While Crisis Scotland advocates for increased social housing, Propertymark, a professional body for property agents, has urged the government to avoid imposing rent controls. Nathan Emerson, Propertymark’s chief executive, welcomed John Swinney’s re-election as First Minister but cautioned that rent controls risk reducing investment and worsening housing supply shortages.

Emerson called for a review of taxation to support investment in homes for rent and purchase, rather than deter it. He also advocated for pragmatic support for landlords to decarbonise properties, closer collaboration to raise housing standards, and further professionalisation of property agents across Scotland.

What this means for landlords

Landlords should be aware that the Scottish government faces pressure to increase social housing stock and implement homelessness prevention measures. While rent controls remain a contentious issue, the government’s approach to taxation and support for landlords, particularly regarding property decarbonisation and professional standards, may evolve. Engagement with government and industry bodies will be important to ensure landlord interests are considered in forthcoming housing policies.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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