Scotland's Holyrood election in May returned a parliament in which no single party holds an overall majority, resulting in a fragmented parliament where no single party can pass legislation without the support of others.
For housing policy, that means the SNP government’s housing agenda — including a commitment to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, the creation of a new national housing agency, and the ongoing response to Scotland’s declared housing emergency — will need to be advanced through cross-party agreement.
Scotland has legislated significantly on housing in recent years, and there is broad parliamentary support for addressing the housing emergency, improving building safety and protecting tenants. With no single party able to pass legislation alone, housing commitments are likely to face closer examination from across the chamber.
The appointment of Shirley-Anne Somerville as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing brings relevant experience to the role. Her background with the Chartered Institute of Housing and her Diploma in Housing Studies signal a policy-focused approach — which may prove well suited to navigating a Parliament where building consensus will be essential.
FirstPort Scotland’s Associate Director, Brandon O’Connell, said:
“The outcome of the Holyrood election presents a real opportunity for housing in Scotland. There is genuine cross-party recognition that the housing emergency demands action, and we are confident that shared commitment across party lines will drive meaningful change. We look forward to engaging constructively with the new government as its housing agenda develops.”
