Humza Yousaf, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has abruptly ended the party’s significant collaboration with the Greens. This move suggests a possible shift away from problematic policies, including those related to housing, according to a leading real estate figure.
This turn of events arrived after First Minister Yousaf dismissed Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater from his government, prompting David Alexander, CEO of DJ Alexander Scotland, to express his optimism about potential shifts in the Scottish government’s approach to housing policy.
Alexander noted, “With the Greens no longer part of the Scottish government, there’s a chance to overhaul their stance on housing. Recent years brought an unsettling climate due to policies that adversely affected the private rental market, set unattainable goals for domestic boiler upgrades, and demonstrated a lack of openness, consultation, and positive intent.”
The crisis was sparked by the SNP government’s recent decision to give up on reducing Scotland’s carbon emissions by 75% by 2030, a move that led to a revolt within the Scottish Green Party.
The internal revolt forced Harvie and Slater to conduct an emergency party vote on whether to remain in the government. This, in turn, seemed to question the coalition’s future, prompting Yousaf to cut ties with the Greens.
Alexander hopes this event will pave the way for restoring relationships and starting fresh dialogues on the future of housing, with an aim to reach a consensus that meets the needs of the Scottish people both now and looking ahead.
“We require more housing for both purchasers and renters across social and private sectors. It’s crucial that all parties work together to provide enough housing for the years to come,” he stated.
Timothy Douglas from Propertymark also weighed in on the conclusion of the SNP-Green partnership, seeing it as a moment to revisit and reform critical housing policies, especially with rent prices on the rise.
Douglas highlighted, “The current challenges within the housing market, such as rising rent, shortages in rental properties, and local housing emergencies, demand a fresh look at policies. This includes easing tax pressures on homebuyers and landlords, setting realistic energy efficiency targets for houses with supportive funding, and reconsidering recent rent control measures that have led to less investment and higher rents in Scotland.”
The faltering of the agreement has led to calls from Labour and the Scottish Conservatives for an impromptu election. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross is pushing forward with a vote of no confidence in Yousaf, which is expected to occur the following week.