Scottish cabinet secretary and SNP MSP guiding social justice and housing
Power cuts persist in parts of Britain after two named storms, Boelo and Austen, caused widespread disruption. Authorities warn of ongoing travel disruption and potential flooding as a new low-pressure system is forecast to bring more heavy rain and strong winds in the coming days.
The Scottish National Investment Bank has pledged 19.5m for a mixed private and affordable rental scheme near Edinburgh's Bio Quarter and Little France. The project will deliver 241 private rentals and 129 affordable homes, with energy‑efficient timber construction and a new community heat network. Construction is set to begin later this year with first completions in early 2028, as SNIB expands its housing pipeline and years-long losses are acknowledged.
The Poverty in Scotland 2026 report finds 21% of children and 17% of people overall remain in poverty. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation calls for a bolder, fully funded plan to eradicate child poverty; the government says progress has been made but more work is needed as ministers review targets. Local government funding and public-service reform are central to the debate.
Storm Boelo has driven widespread disruption across Scotland, with amber warnings, high winds and rising flood risks. Power outages persist, travel remains disrupted, and authorities urge residents to follow official forecasts as repairs continue.
A coalition of charities in Scotland and wider UK calls to end the Local Housing Allowance freeze, arguing it worsens homelessness and leaves low-income renters unable to meet housing costs. Politicians in England and Wales are urged to scrap or reassess related measures as homelessness rises and discretionary payments are debated ahead of Budget announcements.
Emergency services are continuing a search for a missing person after high winds and rough seas linked to Storm Boelo disrupted Scotland and the west of Scotland. Several people have died, and schools and transport remain affected as warnings stay in place.