Martin Whitfield MSP has highlighted in parliament the number of households, including children, living in temporary accommodation in East Lothian and asked the First Minister if it meets legislation on the rights of children.

Mr Whitfield raised the issue during First Minister’s Questions, pointing out that 354 households are in temporary accommodation in East Lothian, including 50 children. He asked Mr Swinney if such conditions meet the requirements of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child which was incorporated into Scots law earlier this year.

In reply, Mr Swinney talked about working with councils to do more to reduce the number of void properties.

Mr Whitfield’s question came just days before East Lothian Council considers declaring a housing emergency as other local authorities in Scotland have already done over recent months.

Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“I believe this is such an important issue that we must keep raising it until the government addresses it properly. That’s why I was pleased to take this opportunity to challenge the First Minister on children in temporary accommodation.

“The Scottish Parliament voted to declare a housing emergency on 15^th May this year. But six months after that vote all the signs are that the housing emergency is rapidly becoming a housing crisis. This is underlined by the worsening situation in East Lothian.

“On the current government’s watch far too many families across Scotland are still being deprived of their fundamental human right to housing, with many having to live in temporary accommodation for months and even years. It’s time for the government to deliver real, affordable homes for those who need them.”