Scottish government urged to commit to ending homelessness

A homeless charity is urging the next Scottish government to set out plans to end homelessness in its first 100 days.

Crisis Scotland is calling on the next First Minister of Scotland to tackle the rising use of temporary accommodation and rough sleeping.

The news comes as John Swinney, the leader of the SNP, was re-elected First Minister after his party won the most seats at the Scottish Parliament election.

Badge of shame on our nation

According to Scottish government figures, there were 33,966 households assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness in the year to September 2025.

Since 2021, rough sleeping has more than doubled in Scotland, an 111% increase. The number of households assessed as homeless has increased 18%, with an increase of 27% in the number of households in temporary accommodation.

Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications at Crisis Scotland, said the Scottish government must do more to tackle homelessness.

She said: “The figures are stark, and a badge of shame on our nation.

“While Scotland has made significant progress over many years in building some of the strongest homelessness rights in the world, far too many people are still being pushed into homelessness every day. 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.

“We have evidenced how homelessness in Scotland can be ended by 2040. It’s time for the Scottish government to grasp the opportunity to build on the progress made by making ending homelessness a clear national mission from day one.”

Increase supply of social housing

Ms McGoldrick added the Scottish government must commit to building more social homes.

She said: “We also need urgent action to implement Scotland’s prevention duties and significantly increase the supply of social housing, because building enough social homes is essential if we are to end homelessness in Scotland 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.”

Don’t impose rent controls

However, Propertymark is urging the new government to avoid the idea of imposing rent controls.

The organisation’s chief executive, Nathan Emerson, said: “Propertymark looks forward to working with John Swinney following his re-election as First Minister of Scotland, but urges the Scottish government to actively engage with organisations like Propertymark to ensure policy reflects the realities of the housing market.

“We continue to warn that rent controls risk reducing investment and will worsen supply shortages.

“We also believe taxation should be reviewed to support, rather than deter, much-needed investment in homes to rent and buy.”

He added: “Propertymark also calls for pragmatic support for landlords to decarbonise their properties, closer collaboration with the sector to raise standards, and further steps to professionalise property agents across Scotland.”