Ms McAllan’s return to government from maternity leave saw housing given a cabinet position for the first time.

Ahead of a visit to a Wheatley Group development in Bathgate, Ms McAllan emphasised how vital delivering housing is to the First Minister’s key objective of eradicating child poverty.

Funded by £3.1 million through the Scottish Government’s Charitable Bonds programme, the Bathgate site contains 29 homes for social rent, including two and three-bedroom properties.

Ms McAllan said: “Having a safe, warm and affordable place to call home is critical to a life of dignity and opportunity. It is a key part of the First Minister’s priority of ending child poverty in Scotland.

“We have a good track record in Scotland, having delivered 136,000 affordable homes, with 97,000 of those for social rent, between 2007 and the end of December 2024. That’s 47% more per head of population than England and 73% more than Wales as of March 2024.

“Now I want to redouble efforts and despite an incredibly challenging financial settlement from the UK government, will invest £768m this year in affordable housing.  

“I am also determined that housing conditions be improved and will be prioritising this government’s work to ensure tenants are protected against damp and mould through the introduction of Awaab’s Law.

“Tackling the housing emergency will be my top priority as it will be key in ensuring everyone in Scotland, and in particular our children, have the opportunity to thrive and I am focused on delivering that real change.”