Despite previous assurances from Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan about prioritising homelessness and investing £3.5 billion to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, housing policy was notably absent from The First Minister’s address at the SNP’s 89th annual party conference.

Mr Yousaf also announced a £500,000 fund to help women fleeing domestic abuse, which was welcomed by CIH Scotland. The new fund is set for pilot runs in several areas, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, and managed by Women’s Aid, the fund will offer up to £1,000 per household for essentials.

Callum Chomczuk, national director at CIH Scotland, said: “We know that domestic abuse is the number one cause of homelessness for women in Scotland and we’ve been working with partners across the housing sector to better support victims of domestic abuse and prevent homelessness wherever possible.

“Poverty should never be a reason to stay trapped in an abusive relationship and this funding could be transformational for survivors of domestic abuse and their children, ensuring they can continue to live in their current home if they want to, or move more easily and put down roots in a new home.

“We welcome this announcement and hope to see access extended to everyone who needs support at such a crucial time.”

Shelter Scotland also welcomed the new fund but expressed frustration at the speech’s scant focus on housing, deeming it insufficient amidst the housing emergency.

Shelter Scotland director, Alison Watson, said: “For the people across Scotland struggling to pay their sky-high rents, or for those trapped in substandard temporary accommodation, and for the 45 kids who become homeless every day in Scotland the housing emergency is top of the agenda.

“Sadly, based on today’s speech, that’s not the case for the First Minister.

“For his keynote speech to give so little detail on housing in that context is not acceptable.

“While we await the details, steps to support women facing homelessness as a result of escaping domestic abuse are very welcome – but the fund announced today can’t and won’t address the structural issues that are driving our housing emergency.

“The First Minister needs to show that he understands the depth of the problem facing communities in Scotland and the urgency of the situation by formally declaring a housing emergency.

“People have had enough, ignoring the housing emergency isn’t an option anymore – we need action now.”

Additionally, Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, criticised Mr Yousaf’s lack of clarity following the July pledge of £60 million for councils and social landlords to acquire properties.

He said: “Propertymark welcomes the SNP’s plans to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, but they missed an opportunity this week to clarify how they were going to deliver that policy.

“We are disappointed that they chose to overlook what is likely to be a priority subject for many Scottish voters.”