The Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland (CIH) joined Argyll & Bute, Edinburgh and Glasgow councils in declaring a housing emergency, hitting out at the SNP-Green Scottish budget, which slashed a staggering 43 per cent — £196 million — from the housing budget while more than 30,000 people remain homeless.

CIH Scotland’s Callum Chomczuk said that it was not too late for the Scottish or Westminster governments to take action.

He said: “Scotland is in the midst of a housing emergency and we need a political response.