Shirley-Anne Somerville
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Laura Moodie: Does the cabinet secretary recognise the distress that is being caused to constituents, including a disabled veteran in my region, by the continued uncertainty around the scheme?”
“The Scottish Government has been working closely with Motability since March, and its notification of changes from 1 July in England, Wales and Northern Ireland—the 1 July commencement—is not set to apply in Scotland.”
“The Scottish Government is committed to working with East Lothian Council and private partners to unlock investment and growth at the strategic site at Blindwells, and we are providing £2.4 million of funding flexibility to support the development of the outline business case.”
“What reassurances can investors be given that the Scottish Government will work with them to deliver the project? Shirley-Anne Somerville: As I mentioned in my original answer, my ministerial colleagues and I recognise the strategic importance of Blindwells not just to housing but to the East Lothian economy.”
“Motability will continue to work with the Scottish Government to see what can be done, because it also recognises the distress and inconvenience that the situation is causing.”
“She said that she did not want to call out only Reform. Will she call out Alex Cole-Hamilton for mentioning the Third Reich or Daniel Johnson for making insinuations about fascism?”
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“Motability will continue to work with the Scottish Government to see what can be done, because it also recognises the distress and inconvenience that the situation is causing. I reassure the member that the reason why the changes are not happening on 1 July is that Motability is keen to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that we are doing as much as we can to support those Motability customers. That reassurance is important because, as I said, I very much recognise the distress that has been caused by the UK Government’s budget decisions. Traveller Community Facilities 9.”
“Laura Moodie: Does the cabinet secretary recognise the distress that is being caused to constituents, including a disabled veteran in my region, by the continued uncertainty around the scheme? Will the Scottish Government commit to a clear timetable and consultation process so that people in Scotland are not left in limbo about a service that is critical to their independence, access to work and family life? Shirley-Anne Somerville: I recognise that distress, and that is exactly why I raised the issue with United Kingdom Government ministers, who do not appear to have looked at it at all before they made their decision in the most recent budget. I commend Motability for its willingness to work with the Scottish Government and to not put the measures in place from 1 July.”
“The Scottish Government has been working closely with Motability since March, and its notification of changes from 1 July in England, Wales and Northern Ireland—the 1 July commencement—is not set to apply in Scotland. Those changes by Motability are a direct consequence of the UK Government’s decision to remove tax exemptions for Motability vehicles in the November 2025 budget. Since that announcement, I have raised concerns with UK Government ministers and Motability, particularly for customers living in rural and island communities. Our discussions with Motability have focused on understanding how the removal of those tax exemptions might affect our accessible vehicles and equipment scheme, and customers will be notified about any changes as soon as possible.”
“What reassurances can investors be given that the Scottish Government will work with them to deliver the project? Shirley-Anne Somerville: As I mentioned in my original answer, my ministerial colleagues and I recognise the strategic importance of Blindwells not just to housing but to the East Lothian economy. On 25 March, the former Cabinet Secretary for Housing wrote to the chief executive of East Lothian Council to confirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting the outline business case. My officials will continue to prioritise working with the council and others on the project, and we will act in as positive and pragmatic a manner as we can. Forensic Tagging Spray (Deployment) 5.”
“The Scottish Government is committed to working with East Lothian Council and private partners to unlock investment and growth at the strategic site at Blindwells, and we are providing £2.4 million of funding flexibility to support the development of the outline business case. Developments of this scale, with the potential to deliver more than 10,000 homes, are also central to our work to tackle housing pressures across Scotland. Blindwells could deliver hundreds of much-needed family homes, which could make a significant impact and a positive contribution to meeting local demand and supporting thriving, sustainable communities. Paul McLennan: The development is of strategic importance to East Lothian and would bring much-needed housing and jobs to the area.”
“… What can we do to make that spirit a reality not only for Jews but for everyone—people of every faith and of none, and people who simply seek to live their lives with meaning, dignity and happiness? Perhaps that is the challenge that is before all of us.”— [Official Report, 9 June 2026; c 2.] I think that, not for the first time, Rabbi Rubin was correct, and I hope that we all rise to that challenge. The Presiding Officer: I call Thomas Kerr to wind up the debate. 17:23”
“They challenged us to show dignity and respect for people’s questions, but they also challenged those asking questions to take some responsibility for how the question is framed. None of the amendments seeks to blame others. None of them seeks to blame minority groups. That is the type of debate that we should have. I will close my remarks by quoting from a time for reflection that was led by Rabbi Rubin only a few weeks ago. He described an event that he went to at which children were, as he put it, “simply being children—learning, celebrating and looking confidently towards the future.” He closed by saying: “However, I was left with a question: why should that feel extraordinary? Why should it feel remarkable that children can celebrate who they are without fear?”
“It is an international and a moral obligation to offer such safety and sanctuary, and we are right to do so. We need to think very carefully about how we conduct ourselves in the chamber. Every time I walk into the chamber, I remind myself not only what an honour and a privilege, but what a responsibility, it is to be here, and I hope that all other members feel that way, too. Members of different parties will disagree— indeed, even members of the same party will sometimes disagree. That is evident in the amendments that other parties have lodged today, which include critiques of the Scottish Government on policy, delivery and ferries—Mr MacKinnon will be pleased that that issue was brought into the debate. That is democracy. That is how debate works. Willie Rennie and others challenged us to have such discussion.”
“A new analysis by the University of Warwick on the regional economic impacts of Brexit indicates that Scotland has been the hardest-hit devolved nation, having suffered a 9 per cent loss in gross value added by 2023. I find the irony of the architects of Brexit coming to the chamber and wringing their hands about the state of the economy deeply offensive. Another thing that I find offensive is the discussion about migration. As Michelle Campbell, Jenni Minto and others have said, the fact is that Scotland needs people and migration. Migration is vital for supporting our sustainable communities, our economies and our public services. Scotland should also be a nation that welcomes refugees and those who are seeking asylum. We have a long and proud history of offering safety and sanctuary to those who are fleeing war.”
“However, does the cabinet secretary accept that there is a need for the Government to adopt, across a range of portfolios, a co-ordinated strategy to address disinformation? Individual bits of that are happening, but they are not yet joined up enough to be effective. Shirley-Anne Somerville: Patrick Harvie has pointed to an issue that the Government needs to reflect on. Indeed, we all need to reflect on how we deal with such disinformation. As a Government, we must work with third sector partners to do so, as we did with Shelter in the example that I gave. I know that other ministers are, as I am, reflecting very seriously on that. George Adam and others talked about Brexit and the fact that it is 10 years since the Brexit referendum.”
“The motion would have us believe that people are queue jumping into social housing or being erroneously supported through the benefits system. I published a statement jointly with Shelter Scotland on 12 June that corrected inaccurate claims made in recent Reform Party commentary and highlighted that refugees do not receive priority for housing over other households facing homelessness. In Scotland, we have strong homelessness rights and I am proud of that. Our housing rights apply equally to all those who are homeless through no fault of their own. Shelter Scotland supports our position and noted: “These rights protect us all, and any backwards step weakens rights for us all.” Patrick Harvie: I recognise that regulation of areas such as social media is outwith the control of the Scottish Government.”
“We also need to point out—we should not confuse the two aspects; I know that he does not—when people use deliberate disinformation to provide for fear and disharmony in our society. Helen McDade: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Shirley-Anne Somerville: That is a good point at which to bring in Helen McDade. Helen McDade: I want to go back to the comment about Jo Cox and ask whether the cabinet secretary would extend that sympathy to David Amess’s family. Shirley-Anne Somerville: Of course I would. Some of the disinformation in this debate has been truly astounding. The most ridiculous piece is that, apparently, there is some grand establishment plan to somehow indoctrinate our children in nursery. There is also what is mentioned in the motion about housing.”
“She said that she did not want to call out only Reform. Will she call out Alex Cole-Hamilton for mentioning the Third Reich or Daniel Johnson for making insinuations about fascism? Will she call out other members who have used the words “fascist” and “racist” in the Parliament about people who have genuine concerns about illegal migration? That is shameful. Surely double standards should be called out. Shirley-Anne Somerville: The members that Thomas Kerr mentions responded to those points during the debate. It is particularly rich and deeply ironic for members of Reform to come to this debate and, somehow, count themselves as the victims and as the people who are hard done by. The irony is not lost on me. Willie Rennie was right that there are difficult issues that we need to discuss, in the Parliament and as a society.”
“I draw attention to the contribution of Tim Eagle, who rightly called out Reform’s double standards in the Parliament and elsewhere. I also pay tribute to Jenny Young’s moving speech and her reminder, once again, that it has been 10 years since the death of Jo Cox. I did not have the opportunity to sit through Jenny Young’s members’ business debate, but I have listened back to some of the speeches—it was a powerful debate and I thank her for securing it. Today, she is right to point to the fact that, whatever politicians or tech giants say and see only as words, other people see as a call to action, and they must reflect on that. Helen McDade: Will the cabinet secretary give way? Shirley-Anne Somerville: I will give way to Thomas Kerr. Thomas Kerr: The cabinet secretary is correct about some language.”
“If history teaches us anything, it is that words have consequences, not only for how people feel about themselves and their place in society but because words can be seen as an encouragement for action, intimidation, attacks or further division. I will call out such language every time. Thomas Kerr: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Shirley-Anne Somerville: I will in a moment. Let me make further progress. I pay tribute to Daniel Johnson for his excellent, heartfelt contribution. He called out Reform’s language and the fact that, although Malcolm Offord and others stand up in the chamber and say that they condemn violence, that does not make up for everything else that is said by Reform members in here and outside. It does not make up for what is implied or for when they stay silent.”
“In the past few weeks I have spoken to people who are worried about going into certain parts of our towns and cities at certain times. Why? Because of the colour of their skin, their beliefs, their background or their way of life. That is not having an impact just on our largest cities; social media makes sure of that. This cannot and must not become normalised or excused in any way. I start with that point because, in the debate, we have heard speeches that have stoked tensions and bred division. As many contributors have said, words do matter. In particular, words used in our national Parliament matter. I call out the members, particularly in Reform—in fact, only in Reform— who have used this debate and others since the election to sow further seeds of division in our society.”
“This Government remains unequivocally committed to eradicating child poverty and driving meaningful change for families. Our action to date, our new delivery plan published in March and the ambitious commitments on which this Government was elected are testament to that. We have already made great progress in Scotland, and we will continue to go further to ensure that no child’s life is limited by poverty. Supporting families with the cost of living and eradicating child poverty will be the defining mission of this Government, and we are committed to working across the chamber and across Scotland to deliver on our shared mission.”
“That is why I confirm today our intention to undertake a review of the types of targets that we use to measure our impact on child poverty. We need to review the targets to ensure that our approach is grounded in the best available evidence, continues to drive the right actions and supports sustained long-term progress for children and families. We need to know what makes the most difference for families. The review will enable us to use the considerable evidence that we have generated and work with partners to explore how we can use targets to drive focus and action where it is most needed and, as a result, take a balanced approach that focuses on prevention, immediate support and longer-term outcomes that are right for families. I look forward to working constructively with members from across the chamber to inform the review.”
“In that time, our evidence base has grown, thanks in large part to the families and partners whom we have worked with. We have heard and responded to calls from families, child poverty stakeholders, the Poverty and Inequality Commission, Opposition parties and many others, including calls to expand and improve access to childcare, deliver holistic family support, secure funding for the third sector and tackle public debt. We have taken action that is making and will continue to make a real difference to families. However, many of the policies that we are investing in are not captured in our income-based targets. That can lead to the debate and calls for action being skewed towards increasing social security, even when other policies lead to direct savings for families or drive systemic change across our public services.”
“The Government has come back refreshed and even more determined to deliver for families; to ensure that essential food in our supermarkets is affordable; to introduce a £2 nationwide cap on bus fares to lower the cost of people’s commute; to deliver on more apprenticeships; and to commence a review of employability services in the first 100 days of this session of Parliament. Critically, we have also committed to delivering a transformational national expansion of childcare support to every child in our country from nine months old to the end of primary school by the end of this session of Parliament. Over the past eight years, the Government has delivered life-changing policies, which is why child poverty in Scotland is lower than the UK average.”
“That action is forecast to benefit up to 31,000 children this year, with families already seeing the benefit of that support. Our delivery plan commits to substantive action over this parliamentary session, from our multiyear funding commitment to devolved employability services and delivering a new national breakfast club offer to investing a record £4.1 billion over the next four years as part of a wider investment of up to £4.9 billion in affordable homes. Together with the steps that we have taken to date, it is estimated that policies in our delivery plan will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year. However, we are not stopping there. We have heard loud and clear the call that further action is needed, and that is exactly what we are committed to.”
“In just a few months, we have allocated £19 million to local employability partnerships and regional transport partnerships to help improve the availability and affordability of transport for parents and tackle the barriers to work, enabling a wide range of ambitious action that responds to local need. We have launched our whole family support third sector delivery fund, which seeks to deliver new and enhanced support for families. The fund has received more than 80 ambitious bids from third sector organisations and partnerships; those bids are being assessed, and we will give an update on the awards in the coming weeks. We have also made a further £8.7 million in discretionary housing payments available to local authorities to help mitigate the impact of the UK Government's local housing allowance freeze.”
“We will continue to mitigate those cuts for families by investing more than £159 million this year, but we should not have to paper over the cracks left by UK Government policies. That is why we will continue to push for UK ministers to scrap their proposed cuts to the universal credit health element, scrap the benefit cap, end austerity and work in close partnership with us to match our investment and, most important, our ambition. We are ambitious. In March, I updated members in the chamber on our plans to drive further progress on child poverty in Scotland through our new delivery plan, “Bringing Hope, Building Futures”. Since then, we have wasted no time in taking forward the actions that we committed ourselves to.”
“That particular action is making a real difference to families, day in, day out, and is improving children’s lives and outcomes. I cannot talk about the past year without acknowledging the publication of the UK Government’s delayed child poverty strategy. Although it included the long-overdue decision to end the two-child limit, which has lifted a weight from the shoulders of families across Scotland, the strategy overall represents a missed opportunity to deliver action at the scale that is needed. With the conscious decisions to keep the benefit cap and continue the freeze on local housing allowance rates, the UK Government is knowingly continuing to push thousands into poverty.”
“As a result of the UK Government’s long overdue decision to scrap the two-child limit, we reinvested money previously committed to mitigation to provide immediate support to families struggling with the cost of living over the winter months. On our continued focus on delivery and prioritisation of action on child poverty, the report published today details nearly 100 actions that, since 2022, have been completed or are delivering at scale, including more than doubling the value of the Scottish child payment and expanding the payment to all eligible children under the age of 16. The actions also include further expansion of the provision of free school meals and investment in our extra time partnership with the Scottish Football Association, which provides free breakfast and after-school and holiday club places to around 5,000 children.”
“It has allowed us to make free school meals available to more than 360,000 pupils, saving £450 a year for families who take them every day, and to mitigate the United Kingdom Government’s benefit cap, which has the potential to support more than 9,000 children. It has also allowed us to go even further. For example, we have launched our £3 million bright start breakfast fund, which has created almost 9,000 breakfast club places and provides firm foundations for our new national breakfast club offer. We doubled housing acquisition funding to £80 million, in a move estimated to take between 600 and 800 children out of temporary accommodation. We further empowered our partners by expanding our fairer funding approach, giving 51 third sector organisations multiyear funding to deliver essential services and action on child poverty.”
“Against a cost of living crisis, continued Westminster austerity and a volatile international situation, the Scottish Government invested more than £3.1 billion in support targeted at low-income households last year, with spend benefiting children rising to almost £1.5 billion. In other words, spend targeted towards children is almost three times higher than it was in 2018-19, having risen by more than £960 million each year over that time. That has enabled ongoing investment in key measures such as our Scottish child payment, which it is estimated will keep 50,000 children out of relative poverty this year.”
“That includes making a link to benefits data so that the statistics more accurately account for income from social security. That latest data shows that 21 per cent of Scottish children were living in relative poverty in 2024-25, with rates having been revised to 16 per cent in 2023-24—the year of Scotland’s interim target—and standing substantially below the UK average. It is important to note that the Department for Work and Pensions will continue to make changes to poverty statistics in the coming years. Although that creates uncertainty in the short term, once the DWP’s work is complete, it will help all of us get a clearer picture of poverty and the impact of our action in Scotland. I want to look next at delivery in 2025-26.”
“The Scottish Government has published the latest annual progress report on child poverty, which provides an update on progress towards Scotland’s ambitious child poverty targets and on implementing our second tackling child poverty delivery plan, “Best Start, Bright Futures”. This final report against that delivery plan not only sets out the wide-ranging action that has been taken in the past year, but offers a moment of reflection on all that has been achieved in the past four years and since the Scottish Parliament set in statute a shared ambition to tackle the scourge of child poverty in our country in 2017. First, on progress against the targets, the latest child poverty data, which was published in March, reflected recent action by the Department for Work and Pensions to improve poverty statistics from 2020 onwards.”
“That delivered significant progress to embed multiyear funding across Government, supporting organisations as diverse as Scottish Mountain Rescue, a number of disabled people’s organisations and Apex Scotland, to name but a few.”
“Questioning the integrity of the third sector erodes trust and harms communities at a time when community support could not be more important. To that end, the Government will formalise the relationship to demonstrate the value that we place in third sector bodies, not simply as service providers but as partners in shaping, informing and delivering. That ambition forms the foundations of our third sector partnership agreement. It is important to recognise that support for the third sector is not new for the Government. Over the previous parliamentary session, the Government took meaningful steps to strengthen and support the sector, most significantly our ongoing commitment to fairer funding.”
“As one of our key partners, the third sector directly contributes to the Government’s four missions. What sets the third sector apart is its deep knowledge of communities, which makes it uniquely placed to identify and deliver real solutions. That knowledge cannot be replicated by any Government, national or local. The Government recognises that, to tackle the biggest challenges of the day, we need to work in partnership with the sector. Further, we recognise that we have a responsibility to protect the independence of the sector and respect the remarkable work of those organisations. The Government fully supports the rights of charities to campaign on behalf of those whom they represent and to influence changes in policy, regardless of their funding status.”
“Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Scottish charity awards. The positive impact of the third sector and the incredible people in it was on display once again that night, as it is in every community, every day, right across Scotland. Their work and volunteering change lives, strengthen communities and provide support to people where and when they need it most. However, to be clear, for that support to continue, a sustainable, thriving and independent third sector is essential. It is on that note that we will be supporting the amendments from the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish Greens and Labour today. The third sector works across a huge number of policy areas, from healthcare and education to reducing the impact of child poverty and advancing climate action.”
“I am very proud of what it has delivered, but we are always keen to improve. I hope that I can reassure her by saying that the agency is looking at the reasons why the approval rate has changed over time. One example of such a reason relates to the age profile regarding repeat applications. We must also bear in mind that, for the first time ever, we have encouraged applications—we are encouraging people to apply. They then have to go through a robust system to ensure that they are entitled to and eligible for the benefit. If it would help the member, I would be more than happy to meet her, along with representatives of the agency, to discuss some of the wider issues that she raised in her supplementary question. There is a lot to go through that I cannot get through today. Agricultural Businesses (Support) 6.”
“Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill: I know that Social Security Scotland’s approach is definitely an improvement on the UK Department for Work and Pensions scheme, but that does not mean that it is perfect. There is disparity across local authorities, and there are issues when the lack of social security statements blocks people’s gateway to vital services—for example, in relation to national entitlement cards or access to work. Can the cabinet secretary assure me that any reviews or further work will ensure that all disabled people, including neurodivergent people, will be able to access the support that they need? Shirley-Anne Somerville: I welcome the challenge to the Government that Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill has made in relation to ensuring that the agency continues to be a learning organisation.”
“Since adult disability payment was introduced, 45 per cent of applications have been awarded. More than 498,000 people receive ADP, with £6.1 billion being paid to eligible people. That is testament to a compassionate and person-centred Scottish social security system that enables disabled people to access the support to which they are entitled. Our approach includes the United Kingdom’s first online application for disability benefits. Social Security Scotland can gather supporting information on clients’ behalf, and it offers online, paper and telephone applications. In addition, face-to-face help is available in every local authority, and we fund independent advocacy through Advice Direct Scotland.”
“Craig Hoy: I fully understand that that was the central policy proposition when the benefit was introduced, but there has been significant growth in the number of young people with mental health conditions, so can the cabinet secretary explain what additional costs are being experienced, particularly with regard to those who are not working? The Government has conceded the point that it needs to review the way in which the benefit is operating—it has to, because it is totally unaffordable. That is why we have argued very strongly for that to happen. To go back to the wealth tax, I have to ask this question: is the SNP, under the influence of the Greens, now so infected with the politics of envy that it effectively wants to shut down wealth? Talk of a private jet tax—”
“Will the member take an intervention? Craig Hoy: I do not have time, I am afraid—I have taken two already. Shirley-Anne Somerville: You do have time, actually. Craig Hoy: I will take the intervention if I get the time back, Deputy Presiding Officer. Shirley-Anne Somerville: Does the member recognise that the adult disability payment has to do with the additional costs of having a disability or a long-term condition? It does not have anything to do with whether or not someone is in work. Indeed, decreasing the payment takes away support that encourages people into work.”
“It is not for the Scottish Government to produce another code or guidance on the issue, but, within our remit and to ensure that we comply with the law, we are undertaking the required due diligence, as members would expect.”
“Shirley-Anne Somerville: The EHRC is the enforcer of the Equality Act 2010, and it is for it to provide guidance. In this case, guidance has been provided to the UK Government and, as I said, that guidance is now before Parliament. I recognise Maggie Chapman’s point about the very strong views that are held on the guidance and the fact that there is concern about the implications for services and individuals. The points that the Scottish Government raised with the UK Government when it wrote to it on the draft code in November 2025 included the issue of social policing. As I said in my original answer, the Government is undertaking a detailed analysis. It is for other individuals and organisations to take their own legal advice.”
“Maggie Chapman: Organisations such as the Equality Network and LGBT Youth Scotland have warned that implementing the guidance will inevitably require people to make assumptions about who is and who is not a woman based on appearance, which will set back equalities and human rights for everyone. Front-line staff may be expected to make judgments in everyday settings in our public services. Stakeholders argue that the guidance is not only harmful but fundamentally unworkable. National health service boards, universities, councils and leisure providers have all expressed uncertainty. The Presiding Officer: Question, please. Maggie Chapman: So, what support is the Scottish Government providing to ensure that public services are not drawn into costly disputes and inconsistent and discriminatory practices?”
“The United Kingdom Government has now approved the EHRC’s code of practice and laid it before the UK Parliament for 40 days of scrutiny before it comes into force. That is in line with the UK Government’s reserved powers in the Equality Act 2010. Scottish Government officials are now undertaking a detailed analysis of the code and its implications, including how it will affect service providers and the rights, safety and dignity of all individuals. The code does not change the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, which continues to provide protections against discrimination, including for individuals on the basis of gender reassignment. As those protections remain in place, transgender people are protected in law, and any application of the code must be consistent with those protections.”
“The Presiding Officer: The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business. It would be helpful if members who wish to ask a question were to press their request-to-speak buttons now.”
“From our island communities to our towns and cities, and from rural areas where supply is constrained to urban areas where rents are the highest, the first homes fund will help first-time buyers in every part of Scotland to take that crucial first step. The fund is for them. With it, we are saying clearly that we understand the barriers that they face and that we will act to take those barriers away. We are saying that, for those who need extra support to be able to purchase their first home, the Government will take practical steps in this new session to help them to achieve that. With the first homes fund, we are opening a door not only to home ownership, but to stability, security and opportunity. I commend the statement to Parliament.”
“I also recognise that there will be scrutiny, questions and debate about how best to achieve that goal. I welcome that. I invite members across the Parliament to work with us to ensure that the fund benefits their local communities, reaches those who need it most and delivers lasting change for the people of Scotland. The issue matters deeply to the people we represent, and it is one on which we must work together, across parties and sectors, to deliver real progress. I return to the individuals and families whom the policy is designed to support. It will support the young couple who rent and save but never quite reach their target, the key worker who is priced out of the community that they serve and the family who are looking for stability and a place to call their own.”
“It is about recognising that housing is fundamental not only to our economy but to our wellbeing, our communities and our sense of security. Throughout the opening round of the first homes fund, we will test how it works, to ensure that it is a smooth and simple process with clear guidance and support at every stage, and that it makes a difference to people and their families. We will monitor closely the operation of the scheme to ensure that it works in the interests of buyers and supports a fair housing system. Crucially, we will learn from what that first round tells us, to ensure that the first homes fund remains fit for purpose throughout its duration. I know—or I hope—that members across the chamber will share the ambition to make home ownership more accessible.”
“We will work closely with lenders, industry partners and stakeholders to ensure that the scheme operates effectively and complements existing products and services. There is already energy and enthusiasm from our partners to ensure that first-time buyers receive our support. We are also mindful of the wider pressures in the housing system. Scotland continues to face significant challenges, including affordability pressures and supply constraints, and the introduction of the first homes fund is one part of our response to those challenges. It is a targeted intervention to help those who are ready to buy but who cannot yet make that step, and it will be complemented by sustained action on housing supply, planning and infrastructure. At its heart, the policy is about giving people the tools that they need to build a future.”
“That is why it sits in a broader programme of action and is supported by our record levels of investment. We are working with local authorities, housing associations and partners across the sector to increase delivery and improve access, and we are taking measures to ensure that Scotland’s housing system is fair, sustainable and responsive to need. Let me be clear about what underpins the fund. First, it is fairness. The fund will support all first- time buyers: people who can sustain home ownership but are held back by the initial barrier of a deposit. Secondly, it is simplicity. We will ensure that the application process is clear and accessible, with support available to guide applicants through each stage. Thirdly, it is partnership.”
“It will complement our low- cost initiative for first-time buyers shared equity schemes, which, since 2007, have helped more than 12,000 people to buy a home. The first homes fund aims to support first-time buyers and their families. For many families, a home is not just an asset—it is where their children grow, stability is built and futures are shaped. The ambition of the first homes fund scheme is clear: over this parliamentary session, we aim to support up to 50,000 households into home ownership. That is 50,000 households gaining stability, putting down roots in their communities and taking a step towards a more secure future. We are under no illusion, however, that the scheme alone will solve all the challenges in Scotland’s housing market.”
“Too many people cannot rely on financial support from family to bridge that gap, nor should they be expected to. The result is a rent trap: a situation whereby households are locked into paying high rents and are unable to save and, therefore, unable to move forward. This fund is designed to break that cycle, building on the success of earlier interventions. Previous support helped more than 10,000 households between 2019 and 2022, which demonstrates the scale of demand and the effectiveness of targeted Government support. The fund that I am announcing the details of today will be open to first-time buyers across Scotland and is designed to work alongside wider housing and financial systems.”