5. To ask the First Minister what measures the Scottish Government will take to ensure that there is appropriate social housing to meet the requirements of disabled, vulnerable and frail older people. (S5F-00950)

We are committed to expanding social housing in communities across Scotland, which is why 35,000 of our 50,000 affordable homes target will be for social rent. Good social housing is important for disabled, vulnerable and frail older people, and the homes that are delivered through the programme will match councils’ local housing strategies.

We will shortly publish our refreshed “Age, Home and Community” strategy. As well as improving access to suitable housing, it will take account of changing needs and demographics and help to address issues of isolation that older people can face.

Although the integration of healthcare and social care to help people to stay at home instead of in hospital, is welcome, it hits the buffers if appropriate housing is in short supply. Notwithstanding what the First Minister has just said, is she aware of a recent report that highlights the dearth of sheltered and very sheltered housing, especially for frail elderly people, and calls for a commission to consider and report on long-term funding and provision of supported accommodation? Will the First Minister commit to such a commission?

The First Minister:

Yes, indeed. I think it important not only that we have that strategic approach in place, but that we commit to sustainable funding. We share the housing sector’s concerns about the United Kingdom Government’s changes to funding for supported accommodation, which are part of a broader approach to welfare cuts that is having a considerable impact on people across the country. W e will carefully consider the recently published report on effective supply of supported housing and look at its recommendations, which include the setting up of a commission to ensure that older people can access the housing and support that they need. We are also absolutely committed to working with the sector to protect the most vulnerable people and ensure that supported accommodation is put on a sustainable and secure financial footing.