Angela Constance given welfare and housing brief as new cabinet unveiled

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has tasked Angela Constance with overseeing the Scottish Government’s pledge to deliver 50,000 new affordable homes over the next parliament as well as taking forward the implementation of new welfare powers being devolved to Scotland.

The MSP for Almond Valley was given the new role of cabinet secretary for communities, social security and equalities during a cabinet reshuffle at Bute House on Wednesday.

Within this portfolio, Jeane Freeman will become the Scottish Government’s first dedicated minister for social security while Kevin Stewart has been appointed the minister for local government and housing.

Formerly education secretary, Ms Constance’s full portfolio of responsibilities includes:

Welfare policy, community empowerment, devolution to communities and reform of local government, equalities, religious and faith organisations, protection and development of social and human rights, third sector and social economy, democratic renewal, local government, housing, homelessness, community planning, planning, business improvement districts, town centres, building standards, social security, implementation of new powers, measures against poverty, disabilities, older people.

John Swinney will continue to serve as Deputy First Minister with responsibility for public sector reform across government. Mr Swinney will also take forward the Scottish Government’s education programme, with a focus on closing the attainment gap and widening access to higher and further education for those from deprived backgrounds.

The new cabinet team also confirms a focus on the economy, with Derek Mackay appointed as cabinet secretary for finance and the constitution and Keith Brown taking up the newly created post of cabinet secretary for economy, jobs and fair work. Mr Brown will also retain personal responsibility for Veterans policy.

The economy will also be at the centre of Fergus Ewing’s remit as he takes up the post of cabinet secretary for the rural economy and connectivity.

The environment and climate change will have a dedicated cabinet secretary for the first time, with Roseanna Cunningham charged with plans to further reduce carbon emissions, protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and take forward the Scottish Government’s work on land reform, while Shona Robison will continue as cabinet secretary for health and sport to guide the ongoing integration of health and social care.

Elsewhere, Michael Matheson will stay in post as cabinet secretary for justice and Fiona Hyslop will also maintain continuity in the culture and external affairs portfolio, however, her remit will be widened with a new cabinet secretary culture, tourism and external affairs position.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The cabinet I have announced today will ensure our priorities of education and the economy are given fresh impetus; our public services are reformed and improved and we are able to respond to challenges such as climate change in the years to come.

“The new Scottish Government team has the right mixture of experience and fresh ideas and maintains the gender balance that I believe is important. It is the best team to take Scotland forward.”

Following the unveiling of the new Scottish cabinet, trade body Homes for Scotland reaffirmed the key role the home building industry has to play in meeting the First Minister’s economic priorities.

Nicola Barclay, chief executive, said: “With our industry contributing billions to the economy each year and every home built supporting more than four jobs, home building is fundamental to ensuring Scotland’s future success.

“As housing impacts almost all policy areas, we look forward to working with the First Minister and her new team to help overcome the numerous challenges that affect the delivery of much needed new homes, particularly in relation to planning and the keenly awaited findings of the independent review panel which we understand will be published over the coming weeks.”

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We congratulate Kevin Stewart MSP on his appointment as the minister for local government and housing and look forward to working with him to build on the good work already achieved during the last parliament.

“The minister takes over at a time when the housing crisis is tightening its grip on Scotland’s families and individuals. Today, 150,000 households across Scotland are waiting for a home while one in four of those who already have a home are worried about keeping the roof over their head.

“It is a time of real opportunity for the minister to meaningfully address Scotland’s failing housing system, starting with delivering a step change in affordable housing supply, with research showing we need 60,000 affordable homes over the lifetime of this parliament.

“Now is also the time for a renewed commitment to tackling the root cause of homelessness with the delivery of a National Homelessness Strategy for Scotland that delivers better housing and support for the most vulnerable.”

Graeme Brown added: “We also congratulate Angela Constance on her appointment as cabinet secretary for communities, social security and equalities.”

Earlier in the day Alex Neil stood down from his post as social justice secretary in order to concentrate on his constituency of Airdrie and Shotts.

Mr Neil served held the role for 18 months.

He tweeted: “A privilege to serve in @scotgov. Thanks to all I worked with, proud to have helped make Scotland a better place.”

The First Minister thanked Mr Neil in a letter to him which read: “In your Cabinet and Ministerial roles, you have driven forward the Scottish Government’s commitments to tackling inequalities and improving the delivery of health care services in Scotland.

“I know you will continue to be a first class representative for your constituents in Airdrie and Shotts for this coming term of Parliament.”

Mr Neil has been an MSP since 1999.

Richard Lochhead also announced he would be stepping down from his rural affairs post in order to spend more time with his wife following her cancer diagnosis.

The rest of the junior ministerial team includes: