Political Parties Quizzed Over Housing Crisis

Scotland's main political parties faced a public debate to answer questions on their plans to tackle the housing crisis and improve social housing in Scotland.

Hosted by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) the housing hustings was held in the Glassroom at Edinburgh Napier University on Thursday night.

Ahead of the event, Chief Executive of the SFHA, Mary Taylor, said: "The devolution of further powers to Scotland will have a significant impact on the housing system, on landlords and tenants, on people who receive welfare and on businesses and organisations that provide services.


"The main parties have committed to passing a bill on new powers for Scotland after the election, but they are making different promises about the detail of how they will deliver these powers.

"Affordable housing is a key issue ... everyone should have a decent, affordable, warm home in a thriving, safe community. To achieve this, we need any new powers to contribute to a well functioning housing system that can make a significant and effective contribution to meeting housing needs and tackling poverty, inequality and deprivation across Scotland.

A follow up report from the debate is expected to be published next week.