Campaigning charity Shelter has slammed a decision by politicians to downgrade the importance of housing in government.

Shelter Scotland says the country’s ’housing emergency’ – declared some years ago – will deteriorate because First Minister John Swinney has relegated the role of housing at cabinet level.

Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, assistant director at Shelter Scotland, says: “It is incredibly deflating to see housing downgraded from a specific Cabinet post to a shared portfolio and the standalone housing minister effectively downgraded to a junior role. 

“Playing ‘hokey cokey’ with a dedicated minister in then out of the cabinet does nothing to build confidence that ending the housing emergency remains a top priority for the new government.

“At Shelter Scotland we of course look forward to working with [housing minister] Shirley-Anne Somerville on the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan. 

“We broadly support their plan for more homes, protecting homelessness rights and tackling the racism and bias in our housing system. 

“She is experienced at juggling the competing demands of Scotland’s social security system and worsening housing emergency. 

“But without a dedicated seat at the table housing organisations will need to keep speaking out if we are to see manifesto pledges turned into action.”