North Ayrshire Council has been awarded funding through the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund to refurbish properties to be used on an interim basis by people who have fled the conflict in Ukraine.
Through the fund, up to £50 million has been made available to Councils and Registered Social Landlords to bring properties back into use that would otherwise not be available to let.
Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray said: “Scotland continues to stand with the rest of the UK, Europe and the world, in condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
“Since the conflict began, more than 20,000 people with a Scottish sponsor have arrived, representing 20% of all UK arrivals – the most per head of any of the four nations. More than three quarters of these arrivals have come through our Super Sponsor Scheme.
“This fund is going to help us meet the housing needs of displaced people from Ukraine by providing them with longer-term, sustainable accommodation. I want to thank North Ayrshire Council for their creativity in finding local solutions that boost the overall supply of homes at a time when they are needed most.
“This week, I have written to local authorities and social landlord representatives across the country to encourage them to look at their current housing supply and identify unused accommodation so that we can increase the supply of available accommodation and provide people from Ukraine with safe and secure homes for their time here.”
The award of £486,000 will allow five blocks of three-storey flats at Glebe Place, Saltcoats, – previously earmarked for demolition – to be upgraded and brought back into use for a period of 3 years after which they will be reassessed as part of the council’s new build housing programme. This enables the council to retain their commitment of 1,625 new homes by 31 March 2027.
North Ayrshire Council Leader Marie Burns said: “We have welcomed more than 200 Ukrainians to North Ayrshire and are ready to welcome more in the coming weeks and months.
“With funding now secured from the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund, we are looking to begin improvement works within the next few weeks.
“While there is understandable uncertainty for anyone arriving here from Ukraine, it’s important that they feel secure and supported – having that secure tenancy will help. We want them to feel like North Ayrshire is a home away from home.”
Fresh uplift in permanent staff appointments, but growth only mild
Temp billings rise at quicker pace
Pay pressures ease, but remain historically sharp
Scotland’s labour market saw an improvement in overall hiring activity in September, according to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs survey, with recruiters reporting a fresh rise in permanent placements and stronger temp billings growth.
The seasonally adjusted Permanent Placements Index rose back above the neutral 50.0 mark, rising from 47.3 in August to 52.7 in September, to signal a mild uplift in permanent staff appointments, while temp billings increased at a strong and accelerated rate.
At the same time, sustained growth of vacancies, combined with another deterioration in candidate availability, led to further upwards pressure on pay. Notably, both starting salaries and temp wages increased at historically sharp rates, despite easing since August.
Permanent placements return to growth
Adjusted for seasonal variation, the Permanent Placements Index rose back above the neutral level of 50.0 in September to signal a fresh rise in permanent staff appointments across Scotland. Panellists attributed the upturn to strong demand for staff and increased hiring activity amongst clients in some sectors. That said, the pace of increase was only mild.
September data pointed to sustained growth of temp billings across Scotland, extending the current sequence of upturn that began two years ago. The rate of expansion ticked up from August’s seven-month low and was solid overall.
The pace of increase in temp billings in Scotland was broadly in line with the trend seen for the UK as a whole.
Further marked drop in permanent candidate availability
The supply of permanent staff across Scotland continued to decrease in September, stretching the current sequence of contraction to 20 months. Skills shortages and high demand for staff reportedly drove the latest fall. Notably, the rate of decline quickened slightly on the month and was marked overall.
Scotland recorded a much sharper fall in permanent staff supply than that seen on average across the UK, with the pace of decline slowing slightly on the month at the national level.
Adjusted for seasonal variation, the Temporary Candidate Availability Index remained below the neutral 50.0 mark in September, signalling a nineteenth straight monthly deterioration in the supply of temp staff across Scotland and one that was rapid overall. Panellists cited strong demand for short-term workers and a reluctance among candidates to move roles. Although it remained much sharper than that seen at the national level, the pace of contraction was the slowest for six months.
Rate of starting salary inflation eases to 15-month low
September data signalled a sustained uplift in salaries awarded to permanent new joiners in Scotland, amid reports that strong demand for staff led to upwards pressure on pay. Though historically sharp, the rate of salary inflation was the slowest for 15 months, and weaker than that recorded for the UK as a whole.
A twenty-second monthly increase in hourly rates for short-term staff in Scotland was recorded in September. According to survey respondents, skills shortages were the primary cause of the latest rise. The rate of temp wage inflation softened to a four-month low, but was nonetheless sharp and outpaced the UK-wide average.
Permanent vacancies rise at slower rate
As has been the case in each month since February 2021, demand for permanent staff in Scotland increased in September. The rate of expansion was the softest seen for a year-and-a-half, albeit sharp by historical standards.
IT & Computing recorded the fastest rise in permanent vacancies, followed by Nursing/Medical/Care, while Hotel & Catering saw the slowest.
Temporary vacancies across Scotland continued to rise in September, extending the current sequence of growth to two years. The rate of increase was the slowest since February 2021, but still sharp overall.
Across the monitored sectors, demand for temp staff was strongest in IT & Computing, followed by Accounts & Financial.
Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “Permanent staff appointments across Scotland rose during September following a moderate fall in August, amid reports of improved hiring activity at clients in some sectors and strong demand for workers.
“The rate of growth was only mild, but nonetheless outpaced the UK-wide average. Temp billings also increased, with growth ticking up since August to a solid pace.
“The imbalance between staff demand and supply continued to place upwards pressure on pay in September.
“The latest survey showed that both permanent and temporary staff availability continued to decline sharply, which drove further increases in temp pay and starting salaries at rates seldom seen in the history of the survey.”
The National Museum of Scotland is calling for memories of famous artist and designer Bernat Klein ahead of a major exhibition of his work opening next month. Klein (1922 – 2014) was born in Yugoslavia (now Serbia) but settled in the Scottish Borders where he lived and worked for over 40 years.
Drawing inspiration from the landscape around Galashiels and collaborating closely with skilled Scottish manufacturers, Scotland and its textile industry were central to his success.
Curators hope to capture the stories of those who knew, worked with or admired Klein in his adopted homeland. From visiting his shops or producing fabrics, to wearing his spectacular pieces or completing a Klein knitting pattern, anyone who would like to share their story is encouraged to get in touch by email at info@nms.ac.uk with their memories and pictures.
In the centenary year of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour (5 Nov 2022 – 23 April 2023) will explore the life and varied career of one of the 20th century’s leading forces in Modernist design.
He is renowned for innovative couture textiles created for the likes of Chanel, Dior and Balmain, and his work was adored by royalty and fashion editors alike. He also produced fabrics for interiors, designed ready-to-wear collections and worked as a colour consultant and industrial designer.
Lisa Mason, Assistant Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland said: “Bernat Klein’s philosophy influenced fashion, fine art, interior design, architecture and colour theory and continues to inspire artists and designers today.
“He chose Scotland to build not just his home, but his business, and we’d love to hear more from anyone who remembers his time here.”
Personal accounts will be collated by National Museums Scotland and may be shared on the Museums’ digital channels and social media accounts.
Bernat Klein: Design in Colour 5 November 2022 to 23 April 2023 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh Admission: Free
Prime Minister Liz Truss met European leaders at Prague summit in show of unity against Russian aggression
Prime Minister pays tribute to “collective resolve” to oppose Russian aggression
UK agrees new regional energy cooperation and progress on Sizewell C nuclear development at Prague summit
Ministers to take forward enhanced operational cooperation to address migrant crisis
Prime Minister Liz Truss has welcomed the strong show of unity against Russian tyranny at the summit of European leaders yesterday, as the UK secures new commitments on energy and migration.
Convening 44 leaders from across the continent, the meeting in Prague reaffirmed the steadfast resistance to Russia’s aggression.
In a meeting with French President Macron, both leaders confirmed their full support for the new nuclear power station at Sizewell C and committed to take all necessary steps to finalise investment decisions within the next month, progressing the next generation of the UK’s nuclear power.
The UK and France will ramp up wider cooperation on civil-nuclear development ahead of a planned UK-France Summit in 2023, working together on issues including new innovation, infrastructure and workforce training.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also confirmed plans to renew the UK’s participation in the North Seas Energy Cooperation group, which supports the construction of wind farms and interconnectors in the region. The Prime Minister used the summit to push for the development of new, next-generation hybrid interconnectors in the North Sea to accelerate renewable energy capacity.
Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “Leaders leave this summit with greater collective resolve to stand up to Russian aggression. What we have seen in Prague is a forceful show of solidarity with Ukraine, and for the principles of freedom and democracy.
“The UK will continue to work with our allies to deliver on the British people’s priorities, including ending our reliance on authoritarian regimes for energy and reducing costs for families, tackling people smuggling gangs, and standing up to tyrants.”
The Prime Minister also discussed the benefits of energy partnerships with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre, highlighting today’s announcement from London-based firm Neptune Energy that it will increase gas production at the Duva field as a successful example. Gas from Norway’s Duva subsea field serves households in the UK.
On migration, the UK Prime Minister agreed with President Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Rutte to intensify cooperation on tackling illegal migration. The UK and France confirmed that their interior ministers would conclude an ambitious package of measures to address pernicious people smuggling gangs in the Channel this autumn.
The Prime Minister also attended the closing plenary session and dinner at the European leaders’ summit last night.
Granton Information Centre can make sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. To make an appointment telephone 0131 551 2459 or 552 0458, or email: appointments@gic.org.uk
Big Butterfly Count saw some species flourish in Scotland this summer, but numbers are still worryingly low
Results of this year’s Big Butterfly Count revealed
Small White takes top spot
Garden favourite the Comma did extremely well in Scotland
Peacock, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell all buck UK trend and show a welcome increase in numbers
Worryingly, overall numbers of butterflies remain low
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has released data on the number of butterflies and some day-flying moths recorded in Scotland during this year’s Big Butterfly Count, which ran from 15th July – 7th August.
The top five butterfly species encountered in Scotland were Small White, Meadow Brown, Large White, Ringlet and Peacock.
Another winner for the 2022 Count was the Comma, which saw an increase of 187% in Scotland compared with last year. This species has a flexible lifecycle which enables it to capitalise on favourable weather conditions, which could account for its particular success this year. The Comma only recolonised Scotland in the early 2000s (having been absent for about130 years) but has expanded its range rapidly since then.
Peacock, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell also all seem to have fared well in Scotland this summer and bucked the UK trend of decline. This is welcome news as all three species showed declines in Scotland last year.
However, overall, the trend for butterflies across Scotland remains a concerning one, with the results of the Big Butterfly Count 2022 showing an average of just under seven butterflies seen per Count. While this is a slight increase on last year, it still remains low compared with many previous years in the 13-year history of the citizen science project.
Neither of the two species of blue butterfly included in the Big Butterfly Count, the Holly Blue and the Common Blue, did well in Scotland this year, despite significant increases in other parts of the UK, with a decline of 35% for the Holly Blue and 13% for Common Blue.
The Scotch Argus was added to the species list for the Big Butterfly Count in Scotland for the first time last year. Unfortunately it wasn’t good news for the species, which declined 38% on 2021 levels.
Head of Science for Butterfly Conservation, Dr Richard Fox, said: “We might have expected this summer to have been a much better one for butterflies given the good weather experienced in many parts of Scotland.
“The fact that more butterflies weren’t seen is concerning and it’s clear that much more needs to be done to protect and restore habitats to aid nature recovery. The sun could shine for days on end, but we still won’t see more butterflies unless there is habitat for them to thrive in.”
A total of 3,633 Butterfly Counts were carried out in Scotland during the event while, across the UK as a whole, participants spent a combined total of over two and a half years counting butterflies in their gardens, local parks and in the countryside.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “The vast majority of Big Butterfly Counts are done in gardens, which makes this data especially valuable because this type of habitat is under-represented in many of our other schemes.
“We can create habitat for butterflies such as the Holly Blue and Comma in our gardens, by cultivating Holly and flowering Ivy for the former and growing Hop, elms and nettles for the latter. Gardens that are wildlife friendly can provide vital habitat for these insects, allowing them space to feed, breed and shelter.”
The Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and relies on volunteers spending 15 minutes outside each summer, counting the number and type of butterflies they see. Taking part each year helps scientists to gather important data on how butterflies and moths are coping with changing climate, changing weather, and habitat loss. Next year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 14th July – Sunday 6th August 2023.
Species results in SCOTLAND – Big Butterfly Count 2022
Big Butterfly Count 2022Scotland
Abundance
Ave per count
% change from 2021
1
Small White
3,559
1.10
1%
2
Meadow Brown
3,303
1.02
15%
3
Large White
2,750
0.85
-4%
4
Ringlet
2,674
0.83
-10%
5
Peacock
1,372
0.42
243%
6
Small Tortoiseshell
1,360
0.42
17%
7
Green-veined White
1,266
0.39
-8%
8
Red Admiral
1,120
0.35
135%
9
Scotch Argus
996
0.31
-38%
10
Speckled Wood
846
0.26
29%
11
Common Blue
514
0.16
-13%
12
Six-spot Burnet
412
0.13
9%
13
Small Copper
227
0.07
-11%
14
Silver Y
192
0.06
144%
15
Comma
172
0.05
187%
16
Painted Lady
141
0.04
-18%
17
Holly Blue
69
0.02
-35%
TOTAL
20,973
6.48
7
This year, the Big Butterfly Count was sponsored by garden wildlife specialist Vivara and the DFN Foundation, a commissioning charity focused on influencing sustainable change in special needs education, supported employment, healthcare and conservation.
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have designed a new bandage treatment, known as a scaffold, to treat diabetic foot ulcers, which is cost-effective while improving patient outcomes. Produced by 3D bioprinting, the scaffolds slowly release antibiotics over a four-week period to effectively treat the wound.
Diabetes, a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high, is among the top ten causes of deaths worldwide.
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), is a serious complication of diabetes, affecting approximately 25% of diabetic patients. When identified, over 50% are already infected and over 70% of cases result in lower limb amputation.
The treatment strategy required for the effective healing of DFU is a complex process that requires several combined therapeutic approaches. As a result, there is a significant clinical and economic burden associated in treating DFU. These treatments are often unsuccessful, which leads to lower-limb amputation.
This new research demonstrates outcomes with significant implications for patient quality of life, as well as decreasing the costs and clinical burden in treating DFU.
Recent research has focused on drug-loaded scaffolds to treat DFU. The scaffold structure is a novel carrier for cell and drug delivery that enhances wound healing.
The research, published in Springer Link, will be presented by Professor Lamprou at the Controlled Release Society (CRS) Workshop Italy (7 – 9 October).
Professor Dimitrios Lamprou, a Professor of Biofabrication and Advanced Manufacturing at Queen’s School of Pharmacy and corresponding author, explains: “These scaffolds are like windows that enable doctors to monitor the healing constantly. This avoids needing to remove them constantly, which can provoke infection and delay the healing process.
“The ‘frame’ has an antibiotic that helps to ‘kill’ the bacteria infection, and the ‘glass’ that can be prepared by collagen/sodium alginate can contain a growth factor to encourage cell growth. The scaffold has two molecular layers that both play an important role in healing the wound.”
Lead author Ms Katie Glover, from the Queen’s School of Pharmacy, concludes: “Using bioprinting technology, we have developed a scaffold with suitable mechanical properties to treat the wound, which can be easily modified to the size of the wound.
“This provides a low-cost alternative to current DFU treatments, which could revolutionise DFU treatment, improving patient outcomes while reducing the economic burden caused by rapidly increasing patient demand as the number of people with diabetes continues to increase every year.”
More than 750 students gathered at the McEwan Hall for a day of celebration at Edinburgh College’s annual Graduation ceremony on Friday 30 September.
Students were joined by over 3,000 proud family members and friends who watched as their loved ones crossed the McEwan Hall stage to receive their certificates of achievement.
Graduates from across the College’s curriculum were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Built Environment; and Creative Industries.
Across the three ceremonies, the College’s best-performing students were also commended by Principal Audrey Cumberford, receiving awards for academic excellence. Prizes were also awarded on behalf of the Edinburgh College Board of Management to students who have exceeded expectations throughout their College journey.
In addition, around 20 members of College teaching staff were also presented with professional development awards during the ceremonies – celebrating the wealth of CPD opportunities available to staff to support them in their role of educating more than 28,000 students each year.
Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Graduation is the highlight of the year and a wonderful occasion which signifies the culmination of all of our students’ hard work and commitment throughout their time with us at the College.
“It’s been a challenging couple of years for our College community and so frustrating that we’ve not been able to host our in-person events during this time, which is why we were so delighted to be able to celebrate our graduates at an in-person ceremony in the stunning McEwan Hall once again this year.
“The class of 2022 have persevered through difficult times and have shown an enormous amount of determination throughout their studies which will stand them in good stead for whatever they choose to do next.
“On behalf of the College’s governing body, management team, tutors and support staff, I would like to congratulate all of them on their success and wish them the very best for the future as they progress in their further studies and chosen careers.
Stark research findingsreleased today by national charity Family Fund show that families raising disabled, or seriously ill, children and young people across the UK now face serious financial jeopardy and are struggling to survive, due to the scale of the cost-of-living crisis.
“The Cost of Caring” covers research with 4,264 families across the UK, with a disabled child, showing that nine in 10 families are struggling, or falling behind on their regular household bills and many are forced to forego living essentials such as food, heating, basic furniture like beds, flooring, washing machines and fridges, to try to make ends meet.
Over half of parents and carers (54%) report skipping or cutting the size of their meals because there wasn’t enough money for food (a 9% increase since September 2021) and more than one in ten (13%) say they have had to cut back on items that are essential for their disabled children.
Four in five families (83%) raising a disabled child or young person are in debt, with rising debt levels for two in five families (43%) polled, and over 40% report they can’t afford to keep accommodation warm – a 13% increase since last December.
On average, families raising a disabled child live on £17,000 a year and spend 60 hours a week caring for their disabled children, with one third caring for over 100 hours a week. Families receive only one hour a week of respite and support, on average, and less than one in four parents and carers are able to work full time, with over half not able to work at all.
Family Fund’s report highlights the, now, unsustainable strain on families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people , as they try to cover sky-high costs on top of severely reduced incomes due to intense caring responsibilities, three times higher costs to look after a disabled child and critical levels of debt.
With sustained cuts to support services, which have not recovered post-pandemic, families are now having to pay, themselves, for therapies and specialist equipment for their children, such as educational and sensory items and toys.
As the UK’s largest grant-making charity for families raising disabled and seriously ill children on the lowest incomes, Family Fund provides essential goods for families including kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding, play and sensory equipment and much-needed family breaks.
Last year, it delivered over 170,919 grants and services, worth over £37 million, to families on low incomes across the UK.
Wider research findings include:
· Almost all families raising disabled children (98%) report paying more than families with non-disabled children due to specialist needs – clothing (74%), food and groceries (73%), technology such as tablets (66%), toiletries and hygiene products (60%) and replacing worn or broken household items (60%);
· In September 2021, families raising disabled children reported an increase in their household bills of, on average, £800 a year. By June 2022, even before current price rises, this increase was over £1,500.
· Three in five families (62%) reported cutting back on play, leisure and recreational activities with their disabled children during the last year;
· In the past year, 50% of families report their disabled children’s physical health has worsened and 68% say their disabled children’s mental health has deteriorated.
· 1 in 5 families report taking on more credit to keep up with existing credit commitments
Cheryl Ward, Family Fund Chief Executive, said:“The outlook for families raising a disabled, or seriously ill, child is now graver than ever. They are unsure how to cope with ever-rising caring costs with winter approaching, they are having to borrow more credit to pay for intense levels of debt and feeling more isolated than ever, with worsening mental and physical health.
“These are families on the lowest of incomes, due to caring for their children round-the-clock and having far-reduced available support services, post-pandemic.
“When caring costs have spiralled so far out of control that families are having to cut back on the very essentials their disabled child needs, something has to change.
“Along with our sector partners, we are urging Government to ensure that family benefits are increased in line with inflation, rather than reducing at a time when the escalating costs of caring are already jeopardising families’ lives.”
West Midlands parent:“How will I be able to keep my disabled child warm for medical reasons…this coming winter when I’m struggling to pay gas and electric in summer?
“How will I afford petrol, which I need as I have two children with physical disabilities including one in a wheelchair. And the cost of food, and availability of safe food for an autistic child if shortages start happening. I worry every day and night over this.”
North West England parent: “Caring for our child is not the issue, she is the light of our lives. Being able to access the right care, education and support in order to provide me the opportunity to work is the key.”
The Cost of Caring features research from the charity’s last four quarterly family polls, from September 2021 to June 2022, ahead of a new September poll coming soon.
Tenants will have increased protection from rent increases and evictions during the cost of living crisis under temporary legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament.
The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Bill gives Ministers temporary power to cap rents for private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation. The Bill also introduces a moratorium on evictions.
This cap, which applies to in-tenancy rent increases, has initially been set at 0% from 6 September 2022 until at least 31 March 2023. Ministers have the power to vary the rent cap while it is in force. The measures can be extended over two further six-month periods.
Enforcement of eviction actions resulting from the cost crisis are prevented over the same period except in a number of specified circumstances, and damages for unlawful evictions have been increased to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent.
The temporary legislation balances the protections that are needed for tenants with some safeguards for those landlords who may also be impacted by the cost crisis.
Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie said: “I am pleased that Parliament has passed this Bill to support tenants through the current cost of living crisis. People who rent their home are more likely to live in poverty or be on low incomes than other people, and many will be anxious about keeping up payments on their homes as their everyday expenses rise.
“With this Bill now set to become law, tenants in the social or private rented sector, or in student accommodation, will have stability in their homes and housing costs.
“I’m hugely grateful to MSPs for scrutinising and agreeing this legislation this week, ensuring these protections can be brought in with the urgency that this crisis demands.”
Housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland has broadly welcomed the publication of emergency legislation designed to protect tenants but warns that loopholes allowing social tenants with relatively modest rent arrears to be evicted miss the mark.
The charity has identified three key flaws in the legislation that could lead to more tenants becoming homeless before March 2023.
Two of the loopholes could see private tenants who have never missed a payment being made homeless if their landlord or landlords mortgage lender needs to sell the property.
The third issue relates to an exemption to the eviction moratorium for social tenants with arrears of more than £2,250. Post-covid this is around one third of the level seen in court actions already underway and well below the threshold where most social landlords give up on securing tenancy sustainment plans.
Shelter Scotland said it would be urging MSPs to amend these provisions in the Bill to ensure the promise of protection from rent rises and eviction is delivered for those most at risk of becoming homeless.
Shelter Scotland also highlighted that this Bill will not address the needs of those people already homeless in Scotland, especially the 8,538 children trapped in temporary accommodation.
Shelter Scotland Assistant Director, Gordon MacRae, said:“At Shelter Scotland we want this emergency legislation to work for those most at risk of losing their home.
“We know that the cost of an eviction in the social sector can be around £24,000. So, it makes little sense to set the exemption at a level of rent arrears well below that at which most social landlords would take a tenant to court.
“Deleting this exemption or raising the threshold would recognise the hard work of tenancy sustainment officers, advice bodies and tenants who work to tackle arrears and avoid costly evictions into homelessness.
“Private tenants must not face homelessness when they have paid their rent, but their landlord has fallen on hard times. During this emergency period sales of properties by landlords or lenders should only be permitted with the tenant remaining in their home.
“Where possible social landlords and Scottish Ministers could offer to buy the property where open market sale is not possible with a tenant in place as part of the Scottish Government’s affordable housing programme.
“We believe amending the bill to protect more families from the risk of homelessness is the right priority during this exceptional time.”
Mr MacRae added: “However, when the ink is dry on this Bill, Scotland’s housing emergency will remain just as grim as it was before. This bill does nothing for the record number of children stuck in temporary accommodation, denied their right to somewhere permanent and safe to call home.
“Focus must now turn to the longer-term spending choices of the Scottish Government. To really tackle the housing emergency Nicola Sturgeon needs to deliver Shelter Scotland’s action plan by buying or building 38,500 social homes by 2026, fully funding local homelessness services and guaranteeing anyone who becomes homeless their right to a home.”
