The Scottish Conservatives have become the first party to sign Shelter Scotland’s petition to have the right to a decent home enshrined in Scots Law.
Shadow housing minister Graham Simpson MSP has backed the campaign that was launched after research from You Gov found that 88% of people surveyed agreed that everyone in the country should have the legal right to a safe, secure and affordable home.
The study also found that 76% of those asked support a new law being created in Scotland for adequate housing for all.
In addition, 78% of respondents supported Shelter Scotland’s campaigning for stronger human rights in relation to housing.
Mr Simpson, said: “The Scottish Conservatives believe everyone should have the right to a decent, affordable home.
“The You Gov survey findings clearly show that this is a view backed by the vast majority of people in Scotland.
“The public also want to see that pledge enshrined in law.
“We are fully supportive of that aim and that is why I was happy to sign the Shelter Scotland petition and support their campaign.”
Launching the campaign, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said:
“Too many people in Scotland don’t have access to the basic right of a decent and affordable home – which is simply wrong in the 21st century in one of the world’s wealthiest countries.
“There are more than 14,000 homeless children currently in Scotland and nearly 11,000 households in temporary accommodation.
“We also have rising numbers of people sleeping rough across the country. The evidence is clear - people’s rights to a home need to be significantly strengthened.
“Through this campaign we want the people of Scotland to know that a good home is their right – not a privilege - and it should be law.”
