As part of its manifesto for the upcoming Scottish Election, the party said the unit would provide national leadership and work cross-government to test and roll out successful interventions that deliver on its national objective to end homelessness by 2040.

Other measures include an expansion of modular home pilots as an alternative to expensive and unsuitable temporary accommodation, ensuring a reformed Scottish Welfare Fund is directed towards measures that help people to maintain tenancies and avoid homelessness in the first place, and eradicating rough sleeping, with localised targets and interventions in high prevalence areas, and improved support for housing first schemes.

Welcoming the pledge, Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications at Crisis Scotland, said: “This is the first manifesto commitment of its kind in a Scottish election and sets a new standard of aspiration. We call on all other parties contesting the Scottish Government elections to share in this ambition and thereby create the political consensus needed to make it a reality.

“It is particularly encouraging to see clear alignment with the recommendations of Crisis Scotland – to address the root causes of homelessness and the urgent need for strategic leadership and prevention. That represents meaningful progress and a step in the right direction.

“Ending homelessness is within our grasp. But it will only be achieved through sustained investment, accountability and unwavering cross-party commitment that last beyond any single election cycle.”