3. To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to address child homelessness. (S5O-00233)

The Scottish Government has ensured strong legal rights to housing and support for homeless households with children. Separate guidance has been developed on the particular issues that are faced by children experiencing homelessness.

We are also providing funding to local authorities to develop the housing options approach to prevention. That will be further strengthened by the publication of a training toolkit for local authorities and their partners that will address the prevention of homelessness amongst families with children.

Does the Minister accept that homelessness is—to borrow a phrase from the Shelter Scotland report—far from fixed, and that 5,000 children in Scotland woke up this morning without a home of their own, which is something that has a terrible effect on their mental health, wellbeing and attainment? Given that we will soon debate the fairer Scotland action plan, will the minister ensure that the Government’s approach to homelessness is brought forward as a priority, so that the Government’s commitments are delivered as soon as possible?

The Government is committed to delivering 50,000 affordable homes during the course of this session of Parliament, including 35,000 homes for social rent, which is really important with regard to tackling the situations that we are discussing.

I know that Elaine Smith has taken a keen interest in these issues in the previous session of Parliament and in this one. I am determined to ensure that we can provide the best options for families with children in terms of temporary accommodation, where that is required. I am more than willing to discuss with Elaine Smith how we can work together to ensure that we can get our approach absolutely right for homeless people, and particularly homeless families with children.