Latest news with #MairiMcAllan
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
How McAllan can tackle our housing emergency
The new Housing Secretary needs to put in place a ten-year plan to sort problems Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... New Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan has had a busy first month and has announced she is working on a plan to address Scotland's housing emergency which she will announce when Holyrood returns in the autumn. Given that housing charity Shelter Scotland recently named John Swinney's legislative agenda a 'Programme for Homelessness' it is clear that the Scottish Government must produce some positive and effective policies. More housebuilding is required, easier and quicker planning regulations, a long-term focus on addressing social housing shortages, and a much closer working relationship with the private rented sector (PRS) to both maintain existing stock and encourage greater investment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms McAllan said she would act on stalled developments, which she calls an 'untapped area,' and said the Scottish Government is 'brokering' those issues with developers to 'unlock tens of thousands of houses'. David J Alexander is an expert in Scotland's rental sector These developments are stalled due to continued uncertainty over the Scottish Government's direction on the private rented sector. Proposals in the Scottish Housing Bill to introduce rent controls don't help despite proof from the Governments' own data showing this policy results in greater costs for tenants. The most recent statistics reveal that the Scottish Government's intervention in the PRS – through its Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Scotland Act 2022 which introduced temporary rent controls – resulted in rents rising at a faster rate in two years than they had in the preceding 12. Between 2010 and 2022 average rent rises across Scotland for one, two, three and four-bedroom properties were up £138; £182; £232; and £523 respectively. In the following two years between 2022 and 2024 average rents increased by £130; £157; £230; and £333 for one, two, three and four-bedroom properties. In cash terms rents rose in two years at almost the same level that they did over the previous 12 years. These figures highlight just how destructive the Scottish Government's intervention into the PRS was between 2022 and 2024. A major outcome of this policy has been the freezing of property investment, falling housebuilding levels, with money intended to be invested in Scotland to build more properties being transferred to other parts of the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If Ms McAllan is to make an impact on the staggering levels of housing need in Scotland, then she must embrace the private rented sector. She should not interfere in the market with rent controls and should be encouraging greater investment through policies which encourage growth over the long-term through support of the PRS. Mairi McAllan 'must embrace the private rented sector' (Picture: Jeff) The new Housing Secretary needs to put in place a ten-year plan which addresses Scotland's enormous housing problems. More housebuilding, more involvement and encouragement of the PRS, more social housing and a plan that ensures there are substantially more homes available in all markets in the future. With 250,000 people on the social housing waiting list, 10,000 children in temporary housing and a private rented sector which has been experiencing unprecedented demand there is an immediate need for clarity and action. Housing policy needs the involvement of all interested parties, and a strategy that looks beyond a single electoral cycle if the housing emergency is to be tackled.
The Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow City Council spent more than £100m in homeless fight
14,128 Glaswegians declared themselves as homeless or likely to become homeless in 2024, applying to the council via phone, email, or in person. The figures provide a snapshot of the first full year after a housing emergency was declared by Glasgow City Council in November 2023. 14,000 people living in Glasgow said they were homeless last year. (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) Now, it has been revealed that a total of £106,416,979 was spent by the council in 2024 to keep up with the increased need for housing. That is approximately 5.4% of the estimated £1.97b city budget in 2024/25. Further figures revealed in The Herald on Saturday revealed that 8,383 people - including 3,154 children - were living in temporary accommodation as of June 9, 2025. Additonally, 2,117 homeless people were living in a hotel or bed and breakfast (B&B). During that time period, council officials spent £7,740,778 on housing the homeless in hotels and B&Bs. However, the local authority turned away 753 people seeking accommodation between 1 May and 1 June, according to the figures, obtained by the Scottish Tenants' Organisation. Leading homelessness charities have reacted to the findings with concern. Gary Meek, CEO of housing association Blue Triangle, which operates four facilities in Glasgow, told The Herald: 'These figures reflect what we see every day — a housing system under immense pressure, and too many people in Glasgow stuck in temporary accommodation without a clear path forward. Meek added: 'We're working closely with Glasgow City Council and other partners to expand supported housing and prevention services, but the scale of the crisis demands long-term investment and bold, joined-up action. 'Safe housing is a basic human right and we need to keep that at the heart of every decision.' Similar figures were also recorded in other large Scottish local authorities over the last eighteen months. South Lanarkshire Council spent £11,300,464 on securing temporary accommodation in 2024/25, while Falkirk Council paid out £3,169,412 during the same timeframe, and Perth and Kinross Council spent £1,863,906 between May 2024 and May 2025. Similar sums were spent by Highland Council (£1,938,125.66 in 2024) and Renfrewshire Council (£913,377). Aberdeen and City of Edinburgh Councils have yet to respond to requests for information. Dealing with the housing crisis is a key challenge for the Scottish Government and new Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan. New Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) Gordon MacRae, Shelter Scotland Assistant Director Communications & Advocacy, has told The Herald the figures show the 'grim reality' of homelessness in Scotland's largest city. He said: 'Shelter Scotland welcomes the council's decision to invest more in temporary accommodation rather than push more people onto the streets. But the sheer scale of this spending exposes the grim reality of Glasgow's housing emergency. "With prevention services being cut, more people are being forced into the homelessness system. Glasgow City Council faces an impossible task without serious support from both the Scottish and UK governments. "This is a massive amount of taxpayers' money - money that would be far better spent on social homes that offer safety, security, and affordability, giving people the opportunity to thrive. Mr McRae went on to say that 'bold and radical action was needed,' adding: 'More investment from the Scottish Government in social housing, the purchase of larger homes for larger families, and stronger backing from the UK Government must all be part of the plan. 'Doing more is harder than doing less. Scotland's housing system is broken and biased. It didn't happen overnight, and there are no quick fixes, it is a direct consequence of political choices and repeated budget cuts. Politicians of all stripes need to step up and choose to end the housing emergency.' Read more: Ten per cent of Scottish women 'sexually assaulted at work' People who live in poorer neighborhoods are 'more likely to die' from stroke Ambulance waiting times for critically ill patients on rise in all 32 councils A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'We're duty bound to find and provide accommodation to those affected by homelessness. Unfortunately, in Glasgow, there is an ever-increasing demand for homeless accommodation. This increase in demand brings with it an increase in costs to the council. 'There is no quick alternative. We are in continual dialogue with both Governments about these challenges and to seek the additional resources necessary to address the challenges we are facing. 'We continue to work with a range of partners to expand our emergency accommodation, and which will provide an alternative to bed and breakfast type accommodation.'
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Clydesdale MSP to hold summer surgery tour
Mairi McAllan will meet constituents at 11 different locations across the area during July Clydesdale politician Mairi McAllan is holding a 'summer surgery tour' of the constituency alongside local councillors later this month. The MSP will visit 11 locations over four days from July 28-31 and is encouraging local residents to book appointments to discuss important local matters. She will be available at locations in Carluke, Lanark and Forth on Monday, July 28; followed by Lesmahagow and Strathaven on July 29, Douglas and Rigside on July 30 and culminating in surgeries at Biggar, Abington, Carnwath and Leadhills on July 31. The MSP's office says: 'Ms McAllan will also be joined by local councillors at these surgeries to provide advice and assistance where possible on any matters arising.' Constituents are encouraged to book appointments by emailing or by calling 01555 664243. Ms McAllan also holds a weekly Monday surgery at her constituency office at St Vincent Place in Lanark, and adds: 'Constituents are welcome to get in touch any time to book an appointment for this.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scottish Government must acknowledge the urgency of Scotland's housing emergency
A plan to fix Scotland's housing emergency should have been in place months ago. It was over a year ago when the SNP Government finally accepted the demands of opposition MSPs to formally recognise the scale of the problem. Holyrood belatedly followed the example of several local authorities – including Edinburgh and Glasgow – who had declared housing emergencies of their own. In simple terms this means councils cannot cope with the volume of emergency housing requests they receive as they have nowhere near enough affordable accommodation available. If you're unfortunate enough to find yourself homeless, for whatever reason, you must register in the first instance with your local authority. They have a legal obligation to help. But that doesn't mean you'll be given a home. The SNP Government could see this happening but still chose to axe £196million from its affordable housing budget last year. After a furious backlash, that cut was later reversed. John Swinney has now recognised the scale of the issue and promoted Mairi McAllan to become Cabinet Secretary for Housing. It's the first time the job has been given full Cabinet status, which is welcome. But Labour are right to say we shouldn't have had to wait for McAllan to be appointed for a plan to fix the crisis to be drawn up. The Scottish Government must now show they recognise the urgency of the situation. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Help the NHS by getting active Exercise being good for you is hardly news. But a study has found that exercising throughout adulthood can cut the risk of early death by up to 40 per cent. It also concluded that any activity at all can help and it's never too late to start. And it doesn't mean you have to sign up to a gym or start running marathons. Activities such walking briskly and household chores can all make a difference. A leading cancer charity says that by just being active, you can cut the risk of 13 different cancers. physical condition, exercise can boost mental health. And the healthier we all are, the less pressure there will be on our NHS. It's a win-win situation.
The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Housing secretary feels 'personal weight' to prioritise children
Her task since coming back three weeks ago is far from easy. From being a ministerial role, the housing brief was recently elevated to cabinet secretary level for the first time. Just in time for the Holyrood elections in May next year. Coincidence? I think not. It also comes as housing issues are at crisis levels in Scotland and it is now over a year since a national housing emergency was declared. The situation is only getting worse; countless figures, charities and individuals will tell you that. House building is plummeting, 10,000 children are stuck in temporary accommodation (the highest since records began), over 250,000 are stuck on social housing waiting lists and thousands are priced out of owning homes. Some might classify Ms McAllan's inheritance as a poisoned chalice but, according the woman herself, it's an honour to be sitting at the cabinet table with such an important brief. Asked if she was ever hesitant about taking on the role, Ms McAllan said: 'No, never. 'It is hard coming back from maternity leave but then I sit at the cabinet table and I think about how lucky I am to be there. "My objective is just trying to do as much as I can in the time that I have and to be as effective as I can.' READ MORE: Previously energy secretary, Ms McAllan is no stranger to important cabinet meetings. However, she admitted that her new role will be challenging and, like other ministerial positions, it's kept her awake at night. Mairi McAllan during the Sumitomo ceremony at Port of Nigg, Tain. (Image: Simon Price PA Media Assignments/PA Wire) Speaking to The Herald in an office in St Andrew's House, Ms McAllan said: 'Yes, it's daunting, yes, there are challenges. 'Every job in government is a daunting task to take on. I've never had a job in government where I've not gone to bed thinking about it. That's what's required of a government minister when you are in charge of a brief, no matter what it is. 'I take my responsibilities very seriously.' She points out that she's a former property lawyer when I raise painfully slow planning application processes. "I know how it can be an enabler and inhibitor of action and I want it to be an enabler," she tells me. What "enabling" will look like though is still to be determined – hopefully a faster system. When the struggle of first-time buying, something I've been attempting to do for over two years now, is raised she says: "I get it. I am a similar age to you ... it's incredibly difficult." Again, no plan as of yet but I would not be surprised if a scheme is announced in the next 10 months. Read more: There are many crises when you turn your eye to housing issues in Scotland. However, for Ms McAllan, one issue stands out. 'Children in temporary accommodation weighs very heavily on me personally but all of that focuses me on trying to make the biggest difference that we can,' she said. John Swinney has already made eradicating child poverty one of his key aims in government. Yet, with record high numbers, being able to overcome this will be incredibly difficult. Ms McAllan has said those figures 'must come down' if the government wants to achieve this key aim. 'That's why we have put housing into cabinet and that's why I'm trying to turn over every stone I can, " she said, "There are so many things that need to be done as a housing secretary but those children, I'm just unashamedly putting supporting them at the top of my to-do list. "The personal weight of that does weight heavily on me." For Ms McAllan, it's all the more personal to her now that she does the best she can to improve this dire situation. After giving birth to her son in August, she told The Herald her recent life experience has shaped her approach. 'I can't abide by the idea', she says when the number of children stuck in temporary accommodation is raised. 'I have my own son. I know what it's like as a mother to want to do everything you can for your child to keep them safe and have a warm comfortable home so I'm putting them on top.' Ms McAllan also reflected on the differing attitudes towards her return from male and female colleagues. 'Since I came back, interestingly, a lot of men keep saying to me, 'You must be so well rested', and women come up to me and say, 'You survived.' 'It just shows the difference, on a serious point, when it comes to how undervalued women's caring responsibilities are in politics.' But she will likely be hoping she can prove her worth in this role. One of the fresh talents in the SNP, there have been murmurs in the Holyrood corridors that John Swinney giving Ms McAllan a cabinet secretary position as important as housing is his attempt to carve out a succession plan. Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney and Mairi McAllan. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) 'It's not something that I consider for myself at this point in time." she said when asked if this was the case. "I know the First Minister is intending on leading us into the next election and he intends to win it and stay on as leader for the next term so I don't think that the position that he has his ministers in just now is about succession planning as such, or at least immediately, but he wants his best team around him. "He wanted housing elevated to cabinet for it to have priority and I'm pleased to have taken that up.' Not a surprising response but note the use of the word 'immediately'. Not now, but potentially in the future a path to become the next SNP leader may be on the horizon. But let's not pave the way to a succession just yet. Ms McAllan has got a very important job to be getting on with. In the role for less than a month, Ms McAllan says she is still getting 'the lay of the land' to decide what needs to be 'stepped up' in terms of an emergency response to the housing crisis. Bolder and immediate plans will come after recess, she insists. The cabinet secretary knows these plans will have to be impressive and fast. 'I don't have a huge amount of time," she points out. The housing secretary is right. With less than 11 months until the Scottish Parliament elections, she's come to this brief fairly late. What needs to happen now is improvement to the government's housing crisis response for not just her party's sake but, crucially, for the thousands suffering under the crisis.
