In a speech to Parliament on his priorities for Scotland, John Swinney declared the eradication of child poverty as his “single most important objective” and also pledged to expand the supply of new homes.

His four priorities are: eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling climate change and improving public services. In this fourth priority, Mr Swinney vowed to lift educational performance, deliver sustainable social care by tackling delayed discharge, improve efficiency in the criminal justice system and to expand housing supply.

“We will engage constructively to expand housing supply to meet the needs of the population and tackle homelessness,” he said.

Mr Swinney now plans to set out how his government and cabinet will take practical steps to deliver in these four areas of priority when he presents his Programme for Government before the summer recess.

Shelter Scotland said it was vital that action swiftly follows the recent declaration of a national housing emergency.

It warned that the upcoming Programme for Government can’t be ‘more of the same’, but must instead set out plans to deliver the social homes Scotland needs and to properly resource local homelessness services.

Shelter Scotland director, Alison Watson, said: “Last week, the Scottish Government declared a housing emergency, so it’s vital that actions now follow words.

“I’m glad that today the First Minister recognised that investment in housing is vital in building a fairer Scotland. The First Minister’s aim to eradicate child poverty is a noble one, but it simply won’t happen while child homelessness continues to grow in Scotland.

“Politicians from across the political spectrum have recognised the reality of the housing emergency in Scotland, so they have a responsibility to work together to deliver the necessary solutions.

“The upcoming Programme for Government can’t just be more of the same; an emergency situation absolutely demands an emergency response.”

Welcoming John Swinney’s focus on eradicating child poverty, chief executive of Children 1st Mary Glasgow said: “Children are in crisis. With one in four living in poverty across Scotland, there is no question that more action is desperately needed.

“If Mr Swinney is to turn around the lives of thousands of children who are struggling across Scotland, he must finish what he started. Ensuring that the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund realises the ambition that all families get early financial, emotional and practical support when they need it is the answer to the most pressing challenges children and young people face.

“An increase of £40 to the Scottish Child Payment would provide some immediate relief to the financial crisis many of the families we support find themselves in.

“Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Last year, Children 1st’s financial wellbeing team put a life-changing £1.8 million back into the pockets of children and families through unclaimed benefits, grants and help to manage debt.”