Housing Minister Under Fire for Housing Crisis Management – Scottish Business News

The Scottish National Party (SNP) government is facing criticism over its handling of Scotland’s housing crisis, with accusations of the administration being “out of depth” in addressing the nation’s pressing housing needs.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan, appointed in March 2023, has faced challenges, including a controversial £200 million cut to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for 2024-25, a 26% reduction that raises concerns about addressing Scotland’s housing crisis.

This budget cut has raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to meet its ambitious target of building 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.

Housing experts now suggest that the actual number of homes delivered may be closer to 60,000, falling far short of the original goal.

The SNP’s struggles extend beyond budget issues. Scotland is grappling with rising homelessness rates and a persistent shortage of affordable homes, leading to accusations that the government’s policies have failed to address these critical issues effectively.

Opposition parties have seized on these shortcomings, calling for McLennan’s replacement and arguing that the current leadership lacks the capacity to tackle the complex housing challenges facing Scotland.

The Scottish Conservatives’ housing spokesman, Miles Briggs, has been particularly vocal, stating that Paul McLennan is “out of his depth” as Housing Minister.

Miles Briggs, said: “Under 17 years of SNP rule homelessness has reached its worst levels since records began, with 15,000 children homeless in Scotland today.

“The £22m of funding he mentioned is not new and is a drop in the ocean compared to the £200m that the SNP slashed from the housing budget.

“They must set out clear policy changes to reassure investors and make up for the money that’s been lost due to their own financial mismanagement.”

Despite the barrage of criticism, the SNP government has stood firm, defending McLennan’s performance and reiterating its commitment to addressing Scotland’s housing needs.

The recent announcement of a £22 million investment in affordable housing is seen as an attempt to demonstrate this commitment, although critics argue that it falls short of what is required to address the scale of the problem.

As pressure mounts, the SNP government faces a critical test of its ability to effectively manage and resolve Scotland’s housing challenges.