The analysis which shows that 1 in 14 (50,000) school-age children – and 1 in 13 (70,000) children overall – are currently on social housing waiting lists was published last month to launch the charity’s campaign #BuildScotlandsFuture which is designed to put pressure on all political parties standing at next year’s election to commit to build at least 37,100 new social homes.  At that scale the charity says we will begin to reduce Scotland’s existing and emerging housing need. 

Shelter Scotland Director Alison Watson said, “It’s not right that tens of thousands of children don’t have the security of a safe, affordable home.  It’s time to build a better future for these families.  We know that delivering more social homes will support economic growth, create jobs and help Scotland to meet its climate targets.  It will also strengthen our communities – reducing poverty and inequality, improving people’s health and tackling the root cause of homelessness.  That’s why thousands of our campaigners will be calling on candidates in the 2021 election to put social house building at the heart of Scotland’s recovery plan. Let’s build Scotland’s future.” 

Shelter Scotland is encouraging people to sign a petition as part of the campaign.  As this story was written the number of people who had signed up in 10 days was over 4,500. Sign here or, if you’re not online, you can sign in any of the charity’s shops.

• Set up and run tenants' and residents' groups;
• Support health and well-being projects;
• Help tenants to learn and use digital devices and services.