Màiri McAllan (pictured) has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Housing, returning to the Scottish Government following maternity leave.
Her new brief includes all aspects of housing policy and heat in buildings, at a time when the Government is aiming to address what it has declared a housing emergency.
The appointment comes as Housing Minister Paul McLennan steps down from government. First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s strengths lie in our people, our communities and our resolve to leave a better future, and better country for the next generation.
“As First Minister, I am firmly focused on leading a government that unlocks the potential for every person in Scotland to thrive.”
He added: “I have made changes to the Cabinet which will further enable us to realise that potential.
“Màiri McAllan has been tasked with tackling the housing emergency, including ensuring we have energy efficient homes to help bring down bills and tackle the climate emergency.
“|These are two of the biggest challenges facing people across the country and I want them to know they have a Government firmly on their side and focused on delivering real change.”
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “Propertymark welcomes Màiri McAllan MSP to the post of Housing Minister in the Scottish Government and we thank Paul McLennan MSP for his engagement with the sector.
“Tackling the housing emergency and ensuring energy efficiency proposals for the property sector are fit for purpose must be top of Màiri McAllan’s to do list alongside a commitment to review and reduce all costs and taxes impacting private landlords and home buyers and sellers.
“This is key to ensuring the Scottish Government is implementing pro-growth policies to reduce the cost of renting and make it easier for people to move up and down the housing ladder.”
As part of the wider Cabinet changes, Gillian Martin has been confirmed as Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, continuing the role she covered during McAllan’s maternity leave. Maree Todd has been given responsibility for Drugs and Alcohol Policy following the death of Christina McKelvie.
Swinney said: “This Government has shown it is not afraid to take bold measures to prevent harm and death, and we must redouble our efforts.”
