By Lucy Ashton
Scottish Labour has said more must be done to protect children’s rights as the number of children in temporary accommodation reaches record levels.
In a parliamentary debate, Scottish Labour will demand action to ensure children’s rights are protected when they are at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation.
The most recent homelessness figures have shown the number of children in temporary accommodation is at a record high, and a recent report by Shelter set out the heartbreaking experiences of children living in these conditions.
This debate comes ahead of Stage 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill, in which Scottish Labour will seek to change the law so it better protects the rights of children.
Scottish Labour has lodged amendments that would introduce a statutory requirement for the rights and best interests of a child to be taken into account in homelessness prevention services and when providing temporary accommodation.
A separate set of amendments seeks to tackle the scandal of poor housing conditions by strengthening the requirement for social and private landlords to deal with hazards such as mould and damp.
These are based on Awaab’s Law – something the Scottish Government has pledged to support.
Scottish Labour has called on all parties to unite behind both their motion and their amendments , saying parties have a “moral duty” to do right by children.
Scottish Labour housing spokesperson Mark Griffin, right, said “Under the SNP, a housing emergency has taken hold in Scotland and there are thousands of children paying the price.
“Right now more than 10,000 children are stuck in limbo without a home to call their own, and many of them are living in unsuitable and harmful conditions.
“We have a moral duty to do right by children – whether they are at risk of homelessness, living in temporary accommodation, or simply renting mouldy and unsafe homes.
“Scottish Labour will shine a light on this important issue in our debate and our amendments to the Housing Bill will seek to protect some of the most vulnerable children in Scotland.
“I hope all parties can unite behind Scottish Labour’s efforts to tackle this scandal and enshrine in law greater protections for children across our housing system.”