It comes after a 25% cut to the funding given to housing associations for adaptations such as stairlifts, wet rooms, and wheelchair ramps meant there was only £8.2 million of Scottish Government funding available despite social landlords requesting £28.1m from the programme.

After months-long delays to the funding becoming available, following the fund being slashed by 25%, from £11m to £8.245m, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has warned the cuts mean many tenants face being trapped in unsuitable accommodation or experiencing prolonged stays in hospital.

Figures last week revealed that delayed discharge in Scotland’s NHS had already reached record highs, with an average of 2,000 patients stuck in hospital beds every day in August this year.

SFHA chief executive Sally Thomas said: “These short-sighted cuts to grants for aids and adaptations will have devastating consequences for elderly and disabled tenants throughout Scotland.

“Our housing emergency now risks trapping patients in hospital and unsuitable accommodation throughout the cold winter months when people trapped in hospital is already at record levels.

“Everyone should have access to a warm, safe, accessible and affordable home that meets their needs, yet these cuts fatally undermine that aspiration for many of Scotland’s most vulnerable tenants whilst heaping further pressure on our NHS.”

Among some of the housing associations impacted by the cuts is Aberdeen-based Grampian Housing Association who have seen their funding slashed by 43%.

Craig Stirrat, chief executive of Grampian Housing Association, said: “The association has already itself spent just under £120,000 for adaptations so far this year (2024/25) and it expects this bill to rise to around £240,000 by the end of the year.

“Yet, the association has only been awarded £136,000 from the government adaptions grant, meaning some tough decisions will have to be made.

“While Grampian will likely be able to absorb cheaper alterations, such as the installation of a banister or a grab rail, more expensive works such as stairlifts or hoists might need to be deferred.

“It’s a short-sighted move and there was no pre-warning from the government. The key question is whether the adaptations grant will be reinstated next year.”

Meanwhile Cairn Housing Association, which had requested funding of around £600,000 received just £133,800, which its chief executive said barely covered existing commitments let alone allowed them to respond to their waiting list for adaptations.

Audrey Simpson, chief executive of Cairn, said: “We are deeply concerned about the recent cuts to the aids and adaptations budget from the Scottish Government.

“These cuts threaten our ability to provide essential support for vulnerable individuals and families who rely on us to maintain their independence and quality of life.

“Without adequate funding, we risk compromising the accessibility and safety of homes across our communities, which is a fundamental right for everyone.”