The Scottish Policy Forum invited views to help shape the party’s priorities ahead of the 2026 Scottish Government election. The Forum has identified four commissions to guide the work:

• Becoming an economic powerhouse to improve lives
• A modern NHS and social care system that puts people at the centre
• From cradle to career: giving young people the best start in life
• More equal and safer communities where we can all thrive 

In its response to the consultation, CIH Scotland urged the party to invest in affordable housing supply to tackle homelessness and provide housing choices to suit different circumstances.

Investing in homelessness services to prevent homelessness from happening where possible and responding quickly when it does, as well as focusing on accessibility across the housing sector to help people live well and independently at all stages of life were also among CIH Scotland’s key points.

The response also highlights the need to provide the financial support needed to ensure Scotland’s housing stock is energy efficient across all tenures as the country moves towards net zero and to support the housing profession to ensure that staff have the skills and training needed to manage homes and create thriving communities.

Ashley Campbell, policy and practice manager at CIH Scotland said: “We will be engaging with CIH Scotland members to develop our own manifesto for housing this spring but wanted to take this opportunity to contribute to the Scottish Labour Party consultation. Our response highlights the vital contribution that housing makes across every priority – from economic development and career opportunities, to providing value for money and creating thriving communities.

“We look forward to working with all political parties ahead of the election next year to ensure that housing remains a top priority for the next government.”