Leading homelessness charity Crisis Scotland has welcomed agreement from all major political parties in Scotland that all forms of homelessness must end.

The agreements come following a series of recorded interviews with leaders from the SNP, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Greens, and Reform UK.

Homelessness remains one of Scotland’s most urgent social crises, according to the charity. A recent survey by Ipsos, commissioned by Crisis Scotland found that a quarter of Scots have experienced a form of homelessness themselves or know someone close to them who has.[1]

The survey of 1,050 adults aged 16+ across Scotland also shows that seven in ten people (70%) are concerned about the scale of homelessness in Scotland, and the same proportion believe political parties should make ending it a national priority.

The charity also released data showing the attitudes to ending homelessness based on previous voting intentions.

According to the findings:

• 81% of voters for the SNP believe that ending homelessness should be a national priority.
• This was 72% for Labour voters
• 66% for the Scottish Conservatives
• 72% for the Scottish Liberal Democrats

Data on the Scottish Greens and Reform UK was unavailable during fieldwork.

During the interviews [2], all parties agreed that homelessness is preventable, and that ending it requires long-term solutions such as increasing affordable housing supply and investing in the right support to ensure people don’t experience homelessness again. The charity says that focus must be firmly set on addressing the underlying causes of homelessness during the next parliamentary term, including poverty, trauma, domestic abuse, care transitions, and challenges faced by people leaving prison. With public services centring on early support and prevention.

Maeve Mc Goldrick, Head of Policy and Communication, Crisis Scotland, said: "We welcome the agreement from party leaders.  It shows that there is a will from all sides to end homelessness for good, and that it is, in fact, achievable.

“There are different views on how quickly this can be done, and it’s great to see the debate amongst political parties now being about when rather than if.

“However, words alone are not enough. The next parliament must be much more ambitious and act quickly to end rough sleeping, while significantly ramping up early action support to ensure no one in Scotland experiences the trauma of homelessness.

“Crisis Scotland is calling on the next government to develop a clear roadmap, backed by sustained funding and cross-party collaboration, to make this a reality by 2040.”

Leaders across the political spectrum highlighted their priorities [video footage available]:

SNP: When asked which one word they associate with homelessness, first minister John Swinney, said: “Fear”.

Further responses revealed that the party believes homelessness is destabilising and prevents people from contributing to society. Tackling it is integral to eradicating child poverty and requires whole-family support models, which should be applied to everyone.

Scottish Labour: When asked which one word they associate with homelessness, Anas Sarwar said: “Scandalous”.

The rise in temporary accommodation and rough sleeping is “scandalous.” Ending homelessness must be a top five priority for the next government, combining immediate action with long-term structural reform.

Scottish Conservatives: When asked which one word they associate with homelessness, Russell Findlay said: “Preventable”.

Homelessness is preventable and must be and can be eradicated. Building more homes and supporting people through welfare and employment is key.

Scottish Liberal Democrats: When asked which one word they associate with homelessness, Alex Cole Hamilton said: “Moral outrage”.

Ending homelessness is a moral imperative. Solutions must address supply and the root causes, including poverty, trauma, domestic abuse, and the needs of care leavers.

Scottish Greens: When asked which one word they associate with homelessness, Gillian Mackay said: “Unfairness”.

Housing is a human right. A “whole person” approach, including Housing First and wraparound support, is essential to tackle homelessness effectively.

Reform UK: When asked which one word they associate with homelessness, Malcolm Offord said: “Sadness”.

Homelessness can be ended in a generation. Solutions must come from local communities, combining employment, social housing, and support for people on the streets.

ENDS  

For further information please contact Aoife Hollywood, senior client manager at Charlotte Street Partners at Aoife.hollywood@charlottestreetpartners.com or on 07532256981 

Notes to Editors 

1. Polling conducted by Ipsos, surveying 1,050 adults aged 16+ across Scotland.
2. Video footage and audio available on request. Crisis Scotland leaders’ interviews are free to use here
3. Crisis Scotland manifesto - Crisis Scotland launched its manifesto in October 2025, calling on all political parties for a three-pronged approach to end homelessness by 2040:  

• The right number, of the right type of homes need to be built in the right places; 
• The support available to people in housing need should come about much earlier on and be offered in a more holistic way; 
• And long-term, multi-year funding should be guaranteed for all public services delivering on an end to homelessness in Scotland.

About Crisis Scotland  

Crisis is the national charity for people facing homelessness across Wales, Scotland and England. We know that homelessness is not inevitable, and we know that together, we can end it.  

We provide services directly to people experiencing homelessness, carry out research into the causes and consequences of homelessness, and campaign for the changes needed to end it.  

Crisis Scotland services 

Crisis Skylight Edinburgh supports people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Find out additional details on this page.